Power plan helps locals breathe easy - in 2024

The announcement came as the community readies itself for the lifting of the ban on international cruise ships on April 17, and their return to White Bay.

"We were told that it couldn't be done but the persistence of the community has paid off and sense has prevailed," said Balmain local Kate Horrobin, a member of the Stop Cruise Ship Pollution Campaign.

"It's been an absolute marathon, and there have been many examples of one step forward three steps back."

Ms Horrobin's campaign, which included everything from rallies to letter writing to lobbying government departments, began back in 2013 when the White Bay Cruise Terminal opened.

"Over the following months people started getting health symptoms, experiencing asthma for the first time or respiratory problems or headaches and fogginess. Neighbours started talking to each other and we realised we were all experiencing similar symptoms," she said.

Cruise ships have to keep their engines running while berthing at White Bay because, like other ports in Australia, it lacks an on-shore power source. The cruise terminal is mere metres away from some Rozelle homes.

The idea of shore-to-ship power was originally ruled-out by the NSW Government in 2017 because of an estimated $36 million installation cost. So, when Ms Horrobin heard last week's announcement that White Bay would be transformed into a world-first 100 per cent renewable shore-powered shipping precinct, she felt "vindicated".

She said it was a testament to "the tenacity and persistence" of the community who "wouldn't take no for an answer".

Minister for Transport David Elliott said: "The first berth is set to come online in 2024, and will allow shore-power capable ships to cut their diesel generators, and thereby reducing emissions, air pollution and noise levels whilst at port."

The government estimates the upgrade will prevent up to 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere over 12 months, the equivalent of taking more than 4000 cars off the road.

Greens Member for Balmain Jamie Parker said the $60 million project would be "life changing" for local residents who had dealt with diesel fumes since the cruise terminal opened.

"These ships are as big as a block of flats. While at port they run their engines 24/7 and it's like having 2000 cars pumping out toxic exhaust straight into homes," he said.

"The announcement has catapulted Sydney from being the laggard of the international cruising industry to being a world leader exhibiting environmental best practice."

Despite the announcement, Ms Horrobin said there was still "anxiety" in the community about having to deal with the impacts of fumes once again when cruise ships return in a matter of weeks.

"We've just had two years of enormous relief from no cruising. We've just been through a hot, humid summer and with no fumes we can open our windows and doors at night; we've been able to sit outside and breathe clean air," she said.

"The prospect of having to go back to living by the cruise ship's schedule and the worry in your mind about what's getting into our lungs is what's driving anxiety."

Labor's transport spokeswoman Jo Haylen said the announcement of shore power by 2024 would be "cold comfort" for Balmain residents when cruise ships return in April.

"The Minister is saying that he will deliver shore power after the election, by 2024, as long as the Western Metro project is on time. However, his government's woeful record on transport means that many in the community will be sceptical about their promises," she said.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne was also sceptical of the government's promise and said while shore power would be good for local residents, the "ongoing delay is not good enough". He said he would write to the Premier urging him to begin work as soon as possible.

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