Carlingford West Public School Upgrades

As a home owner living in close proximity to Carlingford West Public, James Ruse and Cumberland High, we experience first-hand, each weekday, the extremely heavy traffic congestion every morning and afternoon at drop-off and pick up time. We believe most of the vehicles come for the Carlingford West students. This congestion was already a well-known fact to many of our acquaintances in North West Sydney when we purchased our house several years ago, but we did not quite believe it until we experienced it for ourselves. The bottleneck leading from the James Ruse roundabout on Felton Rd to Pennant Hills Rd (a less than 5 minute walk) can mean cars are queued up for 15-20 minutes. Because of this, we have been forced to schedule our comings and goings (and those of our guests) around this peak time in order to avoid being stuck in this gridlock the moment we leave our driveway. It can be incredibly inconvenient and frustrating to have to do this. We have even lost a potential tenant for this reason and have built an extra car space on our property to compensate for the lack of street parking at certain times of the day.

I am also concerned for the safety of pedestrians, particularly the Carlingford West students. Some do not seem to be aware of the danger they pose to themselves when they cross the road unsafely. This is particularly the case when parents pull over suddenly and children run up to their cars.

I support the fact that there is a proposal to create more staff parking for Carlingford West Public, however, it would seem that the capacity of this new car park will still be inadequate to accommodate their number of staff, thereby making very little difference to the parking and congestion issue. Just as great a concern is the fact that the projected numbers of students in the next few years will increase by around 20 additional classes. With so many more students it will only serve to exacerbate an already impossible situation for residents. Our streets are not designed for such volume of traffic. Presently buses already struggle as they manouevre in and out of our street.

As you consider all the upcoming improvements to Carlingford West Public, I would be grateful if you could please factor in all of my concerns above. I hope you can see that it will have a tremendous impact on residents such as ourselves.

Sincerely,
Angeline Porter

Section 1.0 Overview can be found in the attached document.
Supporting illustration and notes can be found in the attached document.

2.0
The Concerns

The current number of enrolments at CWPS is 1750 as of 20 July 2021, which is 140 students more than the proposed design for a capacity of 1,610 students. Similarly, the design capacity of the number of staff is less than the current status, as staff to student ratio is relative to each other. The enrolment is expecting to increase, that a prediction of 1850 students to be enrolled at CWPS in 2022.

The concern is that the proposed CWPS upgrade will NOT deliver the above-mentioned benefits as the set objectives are already outdated. The outcome of the CWPS upgrade is INADEQUATE to accommodate the current and future conditions.
1. Inadequate new permanent contemporary teaching spaces.
2. Inadequate open space.
3. No improvement of traffic safety and efficiency.
4. Unnecessary tree replacement planting.
5. Departure from regulatory design criteria.

As stated on page 10 in the Environmental Impact Statement Revision 02 dated 25 June 2021, “The proposal redevelopment is prepared on a base design size of 1,610, but with flexibility to accommodate a higher number if needed. While the current student enrolment numbers exceed this base design size, a rebalancing of students attending the various public schools within the school catchment is underway which will readjust the catchment boundaries to closer align the Carlingford West PS enrolments to the 1,610 figure. This will be incrementally undertaken over the course of the next few years.”

The question of “WHEN exactly is the catchment boundaries to be readjusted” becomes critical to determine “WHAT extent is the flexibility to accommodate a higher number of enrolments”.

3.0
Inadequate New Teaching Spaces

The proposed development within the scope of this SSD application is to create 46 new learning spaces, in addition to the 24 learning spaces that are to be retained, there will be a total of 70 learning spaces at completion in late-2022. Assuming all the 70 learning spaces are to accommodate permanent classes (disregard assigning learning spaces for special learning purposes) for the design capacity of 1,610 students, each learning space to hold 23 students.

Applying the equation to the predicted 1,850 enrolments for 2022, the School will need 80 learning spaces, which is 10 short.

3.1
Possible solution #1

Retain the 10 marked existing demountables to make up for the shortage of learning spaces. 7 to the northwest near the existing tennis courts and 3 near Blenheim Road gate. The multi-purpose sport court need to shift to the east.

3.2
Possible solution #2

Create more learning spaces by adding a floor to Building Y. That is, instead of 3 levels above ground level, there will be 4 levels to the major wing. The library wing remains as 3 levels. The addition of floor space and building height has less impact to the neighbouring properties in comparison to Block X and other proposed or existing buildings.

3.3
Possible solution #3

More learning spaces can be created by modification and extension to Block C and E, inclusive of reinstating the amenities within. The addition will mean a decrease in minor open spaces, not affect major open spaces for students.

4.0
Inadequate open space

As stated on page 86 in the Environmental Impact Statement Revision 02 dated 25 June 2021, “EFSG requires 16,100m2 for Carlingford West PS (10m2 per student). The proposed scheme will provide 18,450m2 in excess of these requirements.”

Although the proposed 18,450m2 of open space is in excess of the aim for 1,610 students, but as stated in point 2.0 that the estimated number of enrolments at completion is 1,850, which means the proposed scheme is non-compliances of less than 10 square m2 per student.

4.1
Possible solution

Utilise roof space to create more open areas for students (and staffs). Integrate roof structure with cost effective landscape design to increase outdoor learning spaces. Artificial turf and movable planters with shading to create urban farm for learning.

5.0
No improvement of traffic safety and efficiency

The Transport and Accessibility Impact Assessment Revision 1.3 issued on 24 June 2021 had NOT address the future traffic issues, hence, only passive and localised solutions were proposed. By merely upgrading both ends of Felton Road does not solve the current nor the future traffic conditions. Current issues on road safety and traffic congestion were NEGLECTED in the proposal.

Extraction from Page 50 of Transport and Accessibility Impact Assessment Revision 1.3 issued on 24 June 2021, stated that “The proposed capacity and staffing of the site is lower than the existing enrolment of the site.” meaning the road network surrounding CWPS does NOT have the capacity to accommodate the traffic. “.. potential through-site pedestrian/cyclist link corridor .. not form part of the works ..” meaning a solution is given but NOT to be built.

Extraction from Page 60 of Transport and Accessibility Impact Assessment Revision 1.3 issued on 24 June 2021, “..no proposed increase relative to today’s student population.“ is an INCORRECT statement that misguided the proposed traffic improvement measures. “.. solely to reduce car volumes and replace this with alternative modes.” This is a passive solution to a long standing problem. “.. planned works .. potential future works ..” When are these going to happen? “.. School Crossing Supervisor ..” long-term volunteering by the community is not a traffic management solution, but a last option to heal the wound.

Extraction from Page 82 of Transport and Accessibility Impact Assessment Revision 1.3 issued on 24 June 2021, “.. permanent capacity .. traffic and transport conditions/demands are not expected to increase ..“ the current enrolment number already exceeded all proposed figures and the estimated number of enrolments at completion is 12% more than the aim of 1,610 students. “.. pedestrian, cyclist, and public transport modes will assist ..” similar PASSIVE approaches to reduce traffic volume were proven to fail. “.. physical works at Felton Road East and West ..” is only a localised upgrade which has an aesthetic value, NOT improving the traffic conditions.

Unless a permanent solution is sorted, the measures proposed in this development is of minimal improvement to the current and future traffic conditions, which is affecting the entire neighbourhood.

5.1
Possible solution

Reinstate the link between Felton Road East and West by creating a one-way underground thoroughfare. The one-way traffic is to maintain between Edinburgh Avenue and Karingal Avenue. Traffic enters the thoroughfare from Edinburgh Avenue junction, drop off or pickup under the on-grade arcade where vertical accesses stairs are connected to ground level, then exit to the existing turning circle towards Karingal Avenue junction.

One-way traffic allows a smooth movement in one direction only and avoid three-point turn to improve safety and efficiency. The thoroughfare allows complete separation of pedestrians and vehicles.

6.0
Unnecessary tree replacement planting

Extraction from Page 3 of the Arboricultural Impact Assessment issued on 01 June 2021, more than 50% of the trees are to be removed, which means 40% of the canopy to be lost.

Extraction from Page 32 of the Arboricultural Impact Assessment issued on 01 June 2021, “11.5 Ninety-seven (97) trees of 75-litre potted volumes are to be planted to replace the amount of canopy cover lost. The planted trees should be specimens that reach a canopy diameter at maturity of 6 to 7 metres wide.” To minimise cost impact and foster environmental sustainability, it is best to integrate existing trees into the newly designed landscape and open areas.

6.1
Possible solution

Unless existing trees are posting risk of safety or significantly impact the development, they should be retained as part of the proposed landscape. Replacement of trees not only being environmental unfriendly, but also costly. Parts of the current courtyards between buildings are well maintained without the need of modification nor upgrade. The major central open space along Building Y should be planned in accordance to retain most of the existing trees.

Existing T120 and T121 near the turning circle at Felton Road East are of “High Retention Value”, which are next to Block Y to the east end. These two trees can be retained with smart detailing of the façade and substructure design. Connection between Block A and Y can be integrated.

Integrating into the new landscape design:
Existing T96 of “High Retention Value” to the south of Block C is away from any new and modification works can be retained.
Existing T56 of “High Retention Value” to the south of Block J can be retained.
Existing T75 of “Moderate-High Retention Value” to the north of Block C can be retained.
Existing group T87, T89, T91, T91a, T92, T93, T94 and T95 in between Block A and C can be retained.
Existing T66 of “Moderate-High Retention Value” to the north of Block J can be retained.
Existing T5 of “Moderate Retention Value” to the east of Block B can be retained.

7.0
Departure from regulatory building codes

Two items related to the fire safety provisions of the development are departed from the Building Code of Australia, of which performance solutions are being sorted in the next design phase.

The proposed sanitary facilities satisfied the targeted 1610 enrolled students, but as stated in point 2.0 that the estimated number of enrolments at completion is 1,850, which means the proposed sanitary facilities may NOT comply with the BCA.

7.1
Possible solution

Reassess the necessity of downgrading fire rating to the modules. Standardise construction details and consider the practicality of such to minimise any risk.

Reassess the amenities to accommodate the predicted enrolment numbers at completion.

Current plan is not helpful to ease existing morning and afternoon traffic congestion and there is serious safety concerns. suggest to connect Felton Road east and west to provide a drive through via an underground car park for all school staff.

The school upgrade should accommodate all of the students in permanent classrooms. The current plan only allow for only 1610 students, existing enrolments are 1760!

suggest to open an entry at the end of east Felton road to Pennant Hill road (currently it's no through) to reduce the traffic congestion at Baker Road.

Response to Carlingford West Public School Upgrade, Community Notification, July 2021
While the importance of educational facilities must be viewed as significant for our future generations, the current generations must not be ignored.
The increases of student and teacher numbers even prior to the proposed Carlingford West Public School Upgrade have had a deleterious affect on the lives of those living in the vicinity of the school with:
• Limited access and egress from the area prior to and at the end of school time and during the pickup from the OOSH facility
• Dangers to children and any seeking access to our residential areas
• Unregulated, haphazard parking and driving often including double parking
• Cars parked across driveways and in illegal locations causing restricted vision and dangers
Already there is too much traffic on these residential streets and the proposed development will only make the situation worse. There does not seem to be any concrete ideas in the proposal for how the situation will be ameliorated. We cannot be satisfied with some sort of “it’ll be alright the on day” response. All the governments involved have responsibilities to improve the lives of those in their constituencies not compromise them.
As we are impacted by lockdown at present, the traffic to the school is unrepresentative but must be looked at the times that the traffic is at its usual flow, or more accurately gridlock, realising that with the upgrade the situation will be much worse.
We must have planning of this major infrastructure upgrade include steps to manage the traffic congestion issues, and allow the residents and the school community respond to fully formulated proposals.

It is an absolute must that an upgrade needs to happen, but the current proposal is very inadequate. This school is already bursting at the seams and the huge increase of students at this school every year will result in the current proposal being not very effective and becoming obsolete way too soon. The idea of a Felton Road east west drive through during school mornings and afternoons would have much better results. As well as enough onsite parking for every staff member (and relief staff) of Carlingford West Public School.
The surrounding streets (especially those on the east side) are narrow streets, the chronic choking of these streets by the traffic (which can last for almost an hour twice a day 5 days a week) has the most serious of safety concerns. The biggest concern is any emergency vehicles (ambulance, Fire trucks, police, etc) trying to get through, the way it currently is, it would be impossible for the cars dropping off and picking up to move out of the way for these emergency vehicles due to the gridlock that occurs each day. A life could easily be lost as a result of the delays, a heart attack/stroke victim, an injured child or adult. A burning house would be lost, and any trapped occupants' chance of being saved greatly diminished. In these sort of incidents every second counts.
There have also been many many close calls of school kids (and their parents) being hit by cars due to non observance of very basic pedestrian road rules - they just walk across streets to and from the school without looking first before crossing, always believing that they have the right of way and that the surrounding streets do not exist. Cars trying to get in out of these streets at these times have the problem of negotiating the massive extra traffic and also having the issues of all these pedestrians (many of whom do not even live in the local area) not looking out for their own safety by treating all the streets as their own right of way.
Please give some serious thought as to the very real consequences that could occur if a long term solution to this problem is not made.
Even if some people just complain about the inconvenience, it doesn't have to take very much more insight and thought to read between the lines and work out what other serious safety issues could also occur as well.
Faithfully Yours
Richard Irwin

- To significantly ease morning and afternoon traffic congestion and address associated serious traffic safety concerns for students, parents, teachers and local community members, a Felton Road east west drive through incorporating an underground car park for all school staff is required. Current plans will do nothing to ease existing morning and afternoon gridlock traffic conditions and serious safety concerns. Furthermore the planned carpark only accommodates for 50% of staff numbers; it also will use a significant amount of open space robbing both students and residents of open spaces and natural light.
- A school will accommodate informal estimates of 2,400 students by 2024 (this is even after allowing for a reduction in catchment area size) in permanent classrooms - current plans only allows for 1,610 - existing enrolments are 1,760! Without this improvement many future generations of students will be condemned to a schooling life in demountables!

Providing comments regarding existing and future traffic issues raised by the upgrade proposal

1. Classrooms - as parent of the CWPS school, we expected to see the new build complete without any demountable. This means the new building must include all required classrooms in 2022 when the build is scheduled to be finished.

2. Traffic management is not existing - this plan does not cater for any traffic increase for future, a bigger school and no proper traffic management is going to increase traffics and cause more concerns for children safety. Please make sure a new traffic management solution is in placed before the new school is opened.

3. Play area - Oval - please make sure it is flat for children to run around. This means retaining wall is a must in the oval adjoining Carlingford West Public and Cumberland High.

Please refer to the attached document.

Please see my comments in the PDF file attached.

As the growing of populations in this community, I think the current project is too small, both the building and the play area for the kids in this school

I am making the submission on behalf of myself and my family. As a parent of a student of Carlingford West Public School and also a member from local community, I object to the project. First of all, this plan does not provide real solution to the gradually deteriorating traffic condition and air-pollution of the local area around school. The upgrading of Carlingford West Public School is planning to expand to the biggest public school in NSW to accommodate the number of students which is a couple of times more than an average public school. Currently, the local area is already suffering from the bad traffic condition during the school zone hours and it also causes great risks of car and pedestrian incidents. During the school zone hours, thousands of cars travel and park in our local area, most of which have their car idling when waiting for their kids especially during the hot and cold months. The exhausted fume from their cars causes serious air-pollution. We can even smell it inside and it forces us to close our windows. I have talked to a lot of my neighbours who have similar experience. This upgrading plan is to accommodate a lot more students, which means it will bring more cars to our local area which further deteriorate this current condition. We do not want to live in an air-polluted community and we do not want our kids to breath in the polluted air when they go to school. I failed to see building a few round-abouts or alteration to drop-off and pick-up facilities can help with this case. I believe finding another site to build a new school or rearrange the school catchment area may provide a practical solution.
Secondly, the construction plan looks a bit of crowded, I would love to imagine my child spending his childhood in a spaced environment.
Thank you in advance for taking my concern into consideration.

1. Classrooms - new school must have zero demountable or else all those interruptions are not worth it for our children.
2. Traffic management - the plan has zero traffic management for a bigger school. This will increase traffic in existing back street and further create safety concerns for parents.

as attached

Concerns and possible Proposal:

1. The original design concept was based on a master plan that had failed to address the then current and projected numbers of enrolments.

The concern is the development project is NOT meeting the current enrolments needs for the school, nor the future needs. (in particularly with all the newly developed high rise buildings in the catchment area)

2. Inadequate New Teaching Spaces - Applying the equation to the predicted 1,850 enrolments for 2022, the School will need 80 learning spaces, which is 10 short.

Possible solution:
Create more learning spaces by adding a floor to Building Y. That is, instead of 3 levels above ground level, there will be 4 levels to the major wing. The library wing remains as 3 levels. The addition of floor space and building height has less impact to the neighbouring properties in comparison to Block X and other proposed or existing buildings.

3. Inadequate open space - Although the proposed 18,450m2 of open space is in excess of the aim for 1,610 students, but as stated in point 2.0 that the estimated number of enrolments at completion is 1,850, which means the proposed scheme is non-compliances of less than 10 square m2 per student.

Possible solution:
Utilise roof space to create more open areas for students (and staffs). Integrate roof structure with cost effective landscape design to increase outdoor learning spaces. Artificial turf and movable planters with shading to create urban farm for learning.

The design is great, however cannot meet current and future development needs. The school is currently operating beyond capacity. Please increase funding and supply more classrooms and sports activities space.

One of our fellow parents is an Achitect. He has listed some important comments. I would like the council to consider the below mentioned suggestion.

The current number of enrolments at CWPS is 1750 as of 20 July 2021, which is 140 students more than the proposed design for a capacity of 1,610 students. Similarly, the design capacity of the number of staff is less than the current status, as staff to student ratio is relative to each other. The enrolment is expecting to increase, that a prediction of 1850 students to be enrolled at CWPS in 2022.
The concern is that the proposed CWPS upgrade will NOT deliver the above-mentioned benefits as the set objectives are already outdated. The outcome of the CWPS upgrade is inadequate to accommodate the current and future conditions.
Inadequate new permanent contemporary teaching spaces.
Inadequate open space.
No improvement of traffic safety and efficiency.
Unnecessary tree replacement planting.
Departure from regulatory design criteria.
Possible solution A to #1:
Retain the 10 marked existing demountables to make up for the shortage of learning spaces. 7 to the northwest near the existing tennis courts and 3 near Blenheim Road gate. The multi-purpose sport court need to shift to the east.
Possible solution B to #1:
Create more learning spaces by adding a floor to Building Y. That is, instead of 3 levels above ground level, there will be 4 levels to the major wing. The library wing remains as 3 levels. The addition of floor space and building height has less impact to the neighbouring properties in comparison to Block X and other proposed or existing buildings.
Possible solution C to #1:
More learning spaces can be created by modification and extension to Block C and E, inclusive of reinstating the amenities within. The addition will mean a decrease in minor open spaces, not affect major open spaces for students.
Possible solution to #2:
Utilise roof space to create more open areas for students (and staffs). Integrate roof structure with cost effective landscape design to increase outdoor learning spaces. Artificial turf and movable planters with shading to create urban farm for learning.
Possible solution to #3:
Reinstate the link between Felton Road East and West by creating a one-way underground thoroughfare. The one-way traffic is to maintain between Edinburgh Avenue and Karingal Avenue. Traffic enters the thoroughfare from Edinburgh Avenue junction, drop off or pickup under the on-grade arcade where vertical accesses stairs are connected to ground level, then exit to the existing turning circle towards Karingal Avenue junction.
One-way traffic allows a smooth movement in one direction only and avoid three-point turn to improve safety and efficiency. The thoroughfare allows complete separation of pedestrians and vehicles.
Possible solution to #4:
Unless existing trees are posting risk of safety or significantly impact the development, they should be retained as part of the proposed landscape. Replacement of trees not only being environmental unfriendly, but also costly. Parts of the current courtyards between buildings are well maintained without the need of modification nor upgrade. The major central open space along Building Y should be planned in accordance to retain most of the existing trees.
Existing T120 and T121 near the turning circle at Felton Road East are of “High Retention Value”, which are next to Block Y to the east end. These two trees can be retained with smart detailing of the façade and substructure design. Connection between Block A and Y can be integrated.
Existing T96 of “High Retention Value” to the south of Block C is away from any new and modification works. This tree can be retained by integrating into the new landscape design.
Existing T56 of “High Retention Value” to the south of Block J can be retained by integrating into the new landscape design.
Existing T75 of “Moderate-High Retention Value” to the north of Block C can be retained by integrating into the new landscape design.
Existing group T87, T89, T91, T91a, T92, T93, T94 and T95 in between Block A and C can be retained by integrating into the new landscape design.
Existing T66 of “Moderate-High Retention Value” to the north of Block J can be retained by integrating into the new landscape design.
Existing T5 of “Moderate Retention Value” to the east of Block B can be retained by integrating into the new landscape design.
Possible solution to #5:
Reassess the necessity of downgrading fire rating to the modules. Standardise construction details and consider the practicality of such to minimise any risk.
Reassess the amenities to accommodate the predicted enrolment numbers at completion.

See attached advice.

Please see attached

1. In order to best protect the surrounding environment, I would strongly suggest to restrict the total enrolled students based on below reasons.
A. Constantly upgrade the school facilities is not practical. After this upgrade project, the school will be immediately in the same position of lack of teaching spaces, sport areas and parking bays for the teachers and so on.
B. Big school is always difficult to be well managed. The students need to take turns to use the sport areas. Canteen, library and lost property are also challenging.
C. Traffic impact to the neighbourhoods is a major concern. The nearby road conditions are not good enough. It has become very common when the cars block the traffic in pickup and drop-off times.
D. I have heard several cases who have moved out of the school catchment area but still remain in this school. In such situation the school executive team should persuade them to enroll in their new catchment school. Matthew Pearce Public School is a good example to deal with these cases.

2. The traffic assessment report is lack of real data to support its conclusions, address the real issues and provide practical designs. I strongly request to re-assess the traffic with below reasons.
A. The current report is not based on the staff and student travel surveys. For example, table 4.2: Anticipated transport volumes in the report suggests to have 221 bicycle movements. Considering this is a primary school with the student ages are under 12 and surrounded by the poor condition roads for cicyling, I'd like to suggest that 10 bicycle movements would be very reasonable and the remaining volumes of 210 should be moved to "Car" for re-assess.
B. The current design hasn't resolved any issues on the student drop-off and pickup which is a major concern of the beighbour residents. Is it possible to provide buses for those students living far away from school in order to reduce the car movements?
C. A new traffic light located at the junction of the Baker Street and Cumberland Highway is required in school times in order for those cars to leave this area quickly .