MOD 1 - Design Modifications

To whom it may concern,

I am a strong supporter of the proposed light rail project that will provide transformative and reliable public transport to the eastern suburbs of Sydney and importantly, the centre of Sydney.

My only concerns with the revised project plans are the proposed Randwick Racecourse station, the pedestrian subway at Moore Park, and the length and operation of the light rail vehicles.

1. The proposed stop at Randwick Racecourse appears to serve the racecourse only and is quite a distance from the TAFE and for those alighting for Centennial Park. I suggest that the stop be moved further east towards the Darley Street intersection that will service the TAFE and make use of an existing pedestrian crossing. If this suggestion is not adopted then I would suggest that a new pedestrian bridge be constructed to take the thousands of patrons and racegoers (who may or may not be under the influence after a long day at the races. Also, this bridge would be useful for university students that have examinations at the racecourse) directly to and from the Racecourse and the light rail stop without interrupting traffic and without needing to wait for traffic.

2. The proposed pedestrian subway for major events at Moore Park is a great idea but strong consideration should be put towards making this subway a ramp that is wheelchair accessible. I am not disabled and do not require these facilities, however, I can force a situation where the proposed at-grade pedestrian crossing at Moore Park, which will be gated by staff, will be swamped by other fans because it's faster than an underground walkway with stairs resulting in disabled persons not being able to cross in a timely manner.

3. The proposed length of the light rail vehicles is 67 metres and an article in the Sydney Morning Herald on 4 December 2014 states that the light rail vehicles will operate as two coupled 33 metre sets as is the case in Casablanca and Tunisia. I have no issue with this in times when there will be significant demand for seating and space (i.e. peak periods). However, I suggest and hope that the light rail vehicles will be shortened (halved) during late night operations to minimise the chance of vandalism, as seen on 8-car trains on the Sydney Trains network at night, and for obvious safety reasons when passengers are spread out thinly across the light rail vehicle.

I hope my comments and suggestions will be taken into consideration.

The modified cycleway must be separated from the footpath and pedestrians, as the situation is now.
Anywhere where pedestrians and cyclists are expected to share the path, there is always tensions and frustrations.

I do not support the change in location from Allison Road -- the trees lost would be a substatial burden to the parklands and existing streetscape! The rail should be on road to promote actual mode shift to public transport from private car, by taking capacity from private cars!

The short term to provide feedback seems rushed and ill-thought out. If it means revisiting the Alison Road alignment and prioritising the Anzac Pde route, in order to better consider the o -road options, this course should be considered.

I also do not support the removal of the stop at world square, there is significant demand from this employment and entertainment hub.

I am particularly concerned in regards to the modification of the base height in the proposed Randwick Stabling Yard. In the report, the proposed elevation of the Centennial park levee will help mitigate flood damage resulting from major flood events (reference to 1 in 100 year flood). However, no additional consideration has been made in regards to surface water run-off mitigation resulting from the increase in level (2 metres) of the stabling site during heavy rain. In recent weeks, with the recent heavy rain fall in Sydney, I have already experienced minor flooding in my back yard. I have serious concerns about the flooding impact an increased elevation of the stabling site will have to the neighbouring residential properties. Furthermore, transport NSW stated that they are planning to eliminate facilities such as drainage pipes in the stabling yard as part of cost saving measures. Where will the waste water from the maintenance of the light rail vehicle going to go? Draining directly into the local residents' properties? I do not see why it is necessary to raise the base level of the propose Randwick Stabling yard given they already have additional protection from elevating the Centennial Park levee. If the current land level in their point of view is good enough for the resident of Kensington and Kingsford, why is it not good enough for the stabling yard?
The environmental impact statement specifically referring to elevating the base level for the proposed Randwick stabling yard only addresses its visual impact. There has been no assessment of the run off waste/rain water from the stabling site to the local resident's properties and the additional noise impact now that the stabling yard is raised up by 2m. Clearly raising the operating level (vertically) of the stabling site without proposed enhancements to the noise mitigation barriers will not simply pose a minimal visual impact as suggested. At the minimum, if the barriers are likewise raised to accommodate, this increase of 2 metres will also pose a significant impact to neighbouring residences. Visual amenity and overshadowing will be significantly different from the initial EIS and this should be assessed independently.

The proposed modification to the Light Rail alignment to the north side of Alison Road (up to Darley St) does not make sense. It will result in the destruction of existing mature trees, whilst reducing pedestrian safety from attendees at race events as well as nearby residents.
The report (page 51) states that 'The proposed relocation... would result in an improvement for pedestrians. This would include the improvement of pedestrian links between the CSELR project and Centennial Park, the Randwick TAFE campus, and the residential area to the north of Alison Road."
Anyone who has tried to access this location on foot will know that this is clearly incorrect. The modified location will require many more fast-moving traffic lanes to cross for nearby residents and racegoers, resulting in reduced catchment potential for the light rail investment, and reduced safety.

This is such a bad idea - do not cut the trees down along Alison Road - put the light rail IF you have to have it over on the same side as the racecourse where most of the uses will come and go from.

PS Save High cross park!!!

I understand that several large, elegant, old and valuable trees will be destroyed along Alison Rd in order to make way for revellers departing The Aust Turf Club.
Please reconsider this component of the Light Rail project.

It would be a mistake to have a wire free section for the tram line. This will cause delays. Is not as reliable as overhead wires. Modern overhead wires have minimal impact. It will increase the purchase cost of the project and increase operating costs.

As a resident of the corner of Robertson Road and Martin Road, I object in the strongest possible terms to the modified proposals to the light rail. These changes involve the ablation of large numbers of established trees, which serve as a natural barrier separating Centennial Park from Anzac Parade, as well rendering the street aesthetically pleasing. Without this barrier, the neighbourhood will be on the doorstep of cars and buses and now the light rail. Implicit in this change is also the removal of the cycle path which our family along with countless others use a safe alternative to access the park.

I refer to the replacement of the grassed batter of the flood prevention levee between Doncaster Avenue and Darley Road with a 3-metre high wall about 200 metres long. As a downstream resident, I applaud the retention and increase in height of the levee. However, I see a risk that the wall will provide an unparalleled opportunity for graffitists to make unsightly contributions to the visual environment, immediately opposite the entrances to the racecourse. I recommend that the design and construction of the levee be modified - ideally to revert to the grassed batter which is much more in keeping with the parkside location, but failing that in such a way as to prevent graffiti.

The plan to remove significant trees and the (newly built) cycle path from the north side of Alison Road, Randwick will meet with significant community opposition. It is clear there is space available on the other side of the road. The racecourse is vast site. Alternatively, move the rail line to take a lane from the cars on Alison Road, but do not destroy our park, bike path and trees!

The trees all through Randwick have been a true joy and blessing to my life in Australia. I chose to live in Randwick when I moved to this country 20 years ago, precisely due to the beautiful and truly magnificent trees thoughtfully and purposely planted with future generations of people in mind by the wonderful people who planted them so many years ago; I have thanked those forebears from the bottom of my heart every day as I have looked at the trees with appreciation. It is unthinkable to me that any of these mature, spectacular trees will be sacrificed for any reason whatsoever. They are so special! So beautiful! So shade and habitat giving! They make one's heart soar! They clean the air from the heavy traffic on the roads. These trees are absolutely precious to the people who live here, and no reason on earth should allow them to be killed. For Heaven's sake, please reverse this dreadful decision and plan! Do not take our precious trees!

I am concerned that the timeframe for comments on the modifications to the ESLR project is too short.

I feel that as submissions and comments to the modifications closes on the 17th December 2014 and given the fact that the community was only fully informed of the modifications at a community meeting at Randwick TAFE on the 10th December 2014 more time is required for residents to respond. Residents need time to digest the information and then make reasoned rational comments on these modifications.

The Light Rail Project Proposal Plan is a shambles and a crying shame expecially for long term residents and all the living Historical Beautiful Trees that surround and reside in Wansey Road, Alison Road, High Street and High Cross Park and of course the path that has already begun, this is very sad. There will be more congestion, high levels of pollution and even higher levels of noise which will create many ill residents, more so, deep anxiety will set in very quickly so, residents will need to seek for themselves and their homes a Protection Plan to help fend off, all of these negative elements.
Parking for residents is already minimal in the area and has been for the past 28 years that I have resided on Alison Road. The proposed Light Rail Plan will not help Randwick residents in any way, plus the local residents and the likes of others will continue to drive their own vehicles in the peak traffic.
This future insight needs more of a better Insight. There is so much more at stake. Though, it will always be possible to keep our suburbs green and to help benefit all Australians.
Slow down the private traffic usage by allowing 24/7 Bus and Taxi lanes will definitely be welcomed, or to wait for the bigger budget to be reached, this will bring smiles. An underground will also be given the tick of approval or how about plans to shift into the middle of the roads and utilise the existing road way? Perhaps a map for Light Rail from Coogee to Bondi Junction, this could well be another answer? There is still alot of possibilities that can work and more residents will be even more than grateful to see the Do the Right sign up.
I am all for making a change and was very excited when Light Rail was first proposed, but I did not sign up to watch my beautiful area become a construction site, by also killing our wliderness life and life of all our giving life Moreton Bay Fig Trees, which I hope you do know so many are older than our Anzacs.Just as health is most important there is no point in life without a healthy planet. Please choose carefully and help residents and all involved benefit from looking into a brighter outlook and future.

Yours Sincerely
Moana Florian

I do not support the cutting down of trees, especially so MANY of them.

This is an urban forest you are destroying. We need tree for health, our health and the health of our environment.

Please look after our environment... we only have one planet and we can all DO our part, NOT destroy our part.

Please reconsider your design. If there is a will there is a way, The design brief should included ....SAVE the trees. The trees support our very existence.

Further,

The following information, which has been carefully compiled by some concerned citizens in order to assist others in formulating a coherent response, comprehensively expresses my own concerns about the issue, and I therefore wish for you to regard this submission as an individual response.

I support the minor change that would ensure the preservation of trees in Tay Reserve, Randwick. However, in recognition that one of the project's principle aims is to improve the overall amenity of areas along the alignment, I hold some strong objections to other suggested modifications:

I object to the overall increase in the number of trees to be removed as a result of design modifications such as the realignment at Alison Road and at the Alison Road/Anzac Parade intersection, and changes to the construction method for the Anzac Parade tunnel
The loss of over 700 trees in the approved project is already unacceptable. This additional tree loss is completely unacceptable.

The suggested replacement trees are insufficient. There are no commitments to replace trees of the same quality, nor in the same location. That is because replacing these trees is in fact impossible. Many of these trees are of significant heritage and biodiversity value.

I am deeply concerned that there have been no modifications proposed with regards to retaining trees and parklands in Randwick despite the community and council support that has been voiced for the preservation of our trees.

Citizens recently submitted a petition of over 500 signatures to the NSW Parliament asking that there be no loss of trees in Randwick city, and that the Randwick interchange be relocated from High Cross Park.

I object to the realignment of light rail along Alison Road and flood mitigation changes at Centennial Park (as described in Section 3.7)
This realignment would allow for an additional 50 trees along Alison Road within Centennial Parklands to be removed. I am deeply concerned about any loss of trees due to this project. Such loss of trees will result in harmful impacts to the wildlife and to the amenity of the area.

I am also concerned about the loss of the entire new and popular bike and pedestrian tracks.

The loss of both the trees and paths can be avoided here with track and stop re-alignment into the middle of Alison Road.

I object to the realignment of light rail at the Anzac Pde/Alison Rd intersection
I am concerned that no satisfactory reason has been provided as to why an additional four fig trees before the corner of Alison Road need to be removed when they have not been flagged for removal in the approved plans.

I am deeply concerned about this extra tree removal. The alignment should be adjusted to avoid the removal of all trees.

I object to the new retaining wall, approximately 200 metres long and up to approximately three metres in height that would extend along the eastern side of the tracks within the central section of the proposed alignment, between Doncaster Avenue and Darley Road next to Alison Road, Randwick
Such a wall would adversely affect the character of the area. This wall is unnecessary if the trees along this section of Centennial Parklands are retained and the tracks are re-aligned into the centre of Alison Road.

Avoiding the construction of such a wall would also result in a cost reduction for the project.


Finally, I object to the fact that the report claims that these modifications will result in an overall improvement, yet no improvements have been proposed with regards to tree loss, nor to socio-economic, biodiversity, air quality, utilities and services, or greenhouse gases `environmental issues'.

Please truly consider my concerns as they are equal to the concerns of any stakeholder.

This submission is in response to the Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail Project design modifications currently on exhibition.

I support the minor change that would ensure the preservation of trees in Tay Reserve, Randwick. However, in recognition that one of the project's principle aims is to improve the overall amenity of areas along the alignment, I hold some strong objections to other suggested modifications:

I object to the overall increase in the number of trees to be removed as a result of design modifications such as the realignment at Alison Road and at the Alison Road/Anzac Parade intersection, and changes to the construction method for the Anzac Parade tunnel
The loss of over 700 trees in the approved project is already unacceptable. This additional tree loss is completely unacceptable.

The suggested replacement trees are insufficient. There are no commitments to replace trees of the same quality, nor in the same location. That is because replacing these trees is in fact impossible. Many of these trees are of significant heritage and biodiversity value.

I am deeply concerned that there have been no modifications proposed with regards to retaining trees and parklands in Randwick despite the community and council support that has been voiced for the preservation of our trees.

Citizens recently submitted a petition of over 500 signatures to the NSW Parliament asking that there be no loss of trees in Randwick city, and that the Randwick interchange be relocated from High Cross Park.

I object to the realignment of light rail along Alison Road and flood mitigation changes at Centennial Park (as described in Section 3.7)
This realignment would allow for an additional 50 trees along Alison Road within Centennial Parklands to be removed. I am deeply concerned about any loss of trees due to this project. Such loss of trees will result in harmful impacts to the wildlife and to the amenity of the area.

I am also concerned about the loss of the entire new and popular bike and pedestrian tracks.

The loss of both the trees and paths can be avoided here with track and stop re-alignment into the middle of Alison Road.

I object to the realignment of light rail at the Anzac Pde/Alison Rd intersection
I am concerned that no satisfactory reason has been provided as to why an additional four fig trees before the corner of Alison Road need to be removed when they have not been flagged for removal in the approved plans.

I am deeply concerned about this extra tree removal. The alignment should be adjusted to avoid the removal of all trees.

I object to the new retaining wall, approximately 200 metres long and up to approximately three metres in height that would extend along the eastern side of the tracks within the central section of the proposed alignment, between Doncaster Avenue and Darley Road next to Alison Road, Randwick
Such a wall would adversely affect the character of the area. This wall is unnecessary if the trees along this section of Centennial Parklands are retained and the tracks are re-aligned into the centre of Alison Road.

Avoiding the construction of such a wall would also result in a cost reduction for the project.

Finally, I object to the fact that the report claims that these modifications will result in an overall improvement, yet no improvements have been proposed with regards to tree loss, nor to socio-economic, biodiversity, air quality, utilities and services, or greenhouse gases `environmental issues'.

Please truly consider my concerns as they are equal to the concerns of any stakeholder.

As a regular user of Public Transport I agree that the light rail is an excellent addition to the state's assets but I feel that not enough care and consideration is being taken to mitigate the impacts on the environment and visual appeal of the Randwick area.

The prospect of destroying 50+ mature trees along Allison Rd (technically part of Centennial Park) simply to reduce the impact on Randwick Racecourse's existing infrastructure is unacceptable - especially when the light rail is obviously a major benefit to the Racecourse.

We all know that the ATC (formerly the AJC) leases its land from the State Government at a criminally cheap price and yet now the public is forced, yet again, to make a concession to benefit this private organisation.

Bricks & concrete can be replaced but trees that old cannot.

I am writing to raise my concerns about developments on the implementation of the Sydney Light Rail in the eastern suburbs, following the recent meeting of the Community Reference Group on 2 December and the news that 10 significant changes have been made to the plans, significant enough to warrant being put on public exhibition, but with only a two week window of opportunity to comment and with very little publicity given to that fact.
My impression from reports I have had of the Community Reference Group meeting, from those attending it, is that this is not a really serious attempt to engage with the community, but rather a box ticking exercise to say that, "community consultation has taken place", since whenever points of substance are raised the attitude of the team running the meeting seems to be that that's too much detail, or that it will be sorted out later, or that they know better, or that community members are not competent to comment on such matters. This leaves a very bad impression on the community as to how the project is being run and how sincere the consultation process is.
An example would be the concern, apparently raised by the Leichardt City Council's rep, about why the Light Rail project had been given double the normal margin above background noise levels compared with virtually any other project or development in NSW. The response from the team apparently was that it wasn't up to them and there was therefore nothing to discuss.
As regards the 10 changes which have now been put on public exhibition, I have the following specific concerns.
- First, a couple of the proposed stops seem to have been scrapped, leaving a longer distance between stops. As an older person with mobility issues, this is a very serious impediment as far as I am concerned - current bus stops are frequent and easy to get to. The Light Rail seems to be getting harder and harder for people like me to get onto.
- Second, many more mature trees are to be destroyed as a result of these changes. Given the current focus world-wide and particularly here in Australia on the need to combat climate change and improve our environmental record, it seems particularly damaging that the project should get worse and worse in this respect as time passes and plans develop.
- Third, the change to the Randwick Race course stop will not only kill trees in our beautiful park, but re-route more traffic through local streets, putting more pressure on local residents and amenities, and why ? because the big people at Randwick Race Course get what they want, not the little people who just live round here.
- Fourth, the implications for the overflow for the Centennial Park flood levee are extremely worrying, but it seems there has been no detailed study of this, the project is just going to go ahead and the team just says it will be all right. The flooding risk in this area is already extreme, and has caused repeated problems in recent years with the wild and wilder weather we have been having. So this seems quite unacceptably dangerous.
- Fifth, everyone has major concerns about the enormous length now proposed for the trains, which has suddenly been sprung on us. Will people be boarding right along the length of them, so requiring safe access for the equivalent of a regular train station at each stop ? How is that going to work with light rail happening in the middle of normal traffic ? Again, as an older person with mobility issues - not actually disabled so not entitled to any special treatment, simply older and struggling - I am very worried as to how I am going to get onto these things, or negotiate my way once inside them. As for the idea that lots of passengers will be needing to cross the rail lines to get on the trains, I find that quite terrifying - the risks seems completely unacceptable.
- Finally it remains a concern that, even with greater capacity in the trains, though less frequent running, the actual number of people able to travel conveniently will be far less than is currently the case with the buses. We local residents were so happy with the buses - safe, convenient, roomy, plenty of seats. We cannot understand why you are destroying our existing public transport system and proposing to replace it with something that sounds worse and worse with every further change you rush through to it, in defiance of the wishes of the community that will be most affected by it.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have reviewed a copy of the CBD & South East Light Rail Project Modification Report and would like to highlight a problem with proposed removal of access to Little Riley Street from Devonshire Street in Surry Hills as detailed on pages 29 & 30 of the report.

I own a property at 473 Riley Street Surry Hills which has rear lane access onto Little Riley Street between Steel Lane and Adelaide Street.

I know from experience that it is not possible even in a compact car (VW Golf) to turn left from Steel Lane into Little Riley Street.

The proposed removal of access from Devonshire Street into Little Riley Street would force residents with rear lane access between Steel Lane and Adelaide Street to illegally drive or reverse the wrong way down Little Riley Street to access their properties.

Add to this the proposed inclusion of a shared pedestrian and bicycle link and I believe a potential safety hazard is being created.

I am supportive of the Light Rail project in the main but I don't believe this intersection has been considered appropriately.

I imagine there would be Australian Standards on vehicle turning circles and don't believe this proposal would comply.

Regards,

Stephen McDonald

This submission is in response to the Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail Project design modifications currently on exhibition.

I support the minor change that would ensure the preservation of trees in Tay Reserve, Randwick. However, since one of the project's principle aims is to improve the overall amenity of the areas along the alignment, I hold some strong objections to other suggested modifications:

- I object to the overall increase in the number of trees to be removed as a result of design modifications such as the realignment at Alison Road and at the Alison Road/Anzac Parade intersection, and changes to the construction method for the Anzac Parade tunnel

I am particularly concerned about the loss of many significant and heritage trees in Randwick city, many of which stand healthy at between 80 & 120 years old. I have lived all my life in Randwick, and Randwick's trees hold particular significance in my life. I am truly dismayed at the prospect of Randwick city losing 435 of its trees. Truly sustainable engineering and design would not remove so many irreplaceable trees. Sydney has the opportunity to develop a world-class and truly sustainable transport system that is integrated with the existing environments. This design is not there yet.

The loss of so many trees, in Randwick in particular, would be devastating for the community. Randwick's heritage is its trees. We would not just be losing our trees, we would be losing our history and identity, as well as our healthy and enjoyable living environment. All this goes without mentioning the countless animals who will be adversely affected if these trees are removed. 'Replacement' trees will not replace their homes. The early works have already removed more than 4 trees in Moore Park & I am not aware of any 'replacement' trees having yet been planted to ameliorate this disturbance to community and wildlife.
There are no technical reasons why our extremely important trees cannot be preserved instead.

There had already been a lot of concern voiced by the community about the loss of trees proposed in the original EIS.

The loss of over 700 trees in the approved project is already unacceptable. This additional tree loss is completely unacceptable.

The suggested replacement trees are insufficient. It is impossible to replace the trees that these designs would see removed. Many of these trees are of significant heritage and biodiversity value. The 'replacement' tree commitments do not extend to replacing trees of the same quality or species, and neither does it extend to replacing trees near enough to the locations where they would be lost.

I am deeply concerned that there have been no modifications proposed with regards to retaining trees and parklands in Randwick despite the community and council support that has been voiced for the preservation of our trees.

Citizens recently submitted a petition of over 500 signatures to the NSW Parliament asking that there be no loss of trees in Randwick city, and that the Randwick interchange be relocated from High Cross Park.

- I object to the realignment of light rail along Alison Road and flood mitigation changes at Centennial Park (as described in Section 3.7)

This realignment would allow for an additional 50 trees along Alison Road within Centennial Parklands to be removed. This unnecessary loss of trees will result in harmful impacts to the wildlife and to the amenity of the area. I am deeply concerned about the apparently callous attitude towards environmental preservation and conservation in this proposed design modification.

I am also concerned about the loss of the entire new and popular bike and pedestrian tracks. The loss of both the trees and paths can be avoided here with track and stop re-alignment into the middle of Alison Road. Since the tracks have been proposed to run along the middle of Anzac Pde, I can see no reason why the tracks cannot be run along the middle of Alison Rd to avoid the loss of our precious trees.

- I object to the realignment of light rail at the Anzac Pde/Alison Rd intersection

I am concerned that no satisfactory reason has been provided as to why an additional four fig trees before the corner of Alison Road need to be removed when they have not been flagged for removal in the approved plans.

I am deeply concerned about this extra tree removal. The Light Rail alignment should be adjusted to avoid the removal of all trees.

- I object to the new retaining wall, approximately 200 metres long and up to approximately three metres in height that would extend along the eastern side of the tracks within the central section of the proposed alignment, between Doncaster Avenue and Darley Road next to Alison Road, Randwick

This wall would adversely affect the character of the area. Furthermore, this wall is unnecessary if the trees along this section of Centennial Parklands are retained and the tracks are re-aligned into the centre of Alison Road.

Avoiding the construction of such a wall would also result in a cost reduction for the project.


Finally, I object to the fact that the report claims that these modifications will result in an overall improvement, yet no improvements have been proposed with regards to tree loss, nor to socio-economic, biodiversity, air quality, utilities and services, or greenhouse gases `environmental issues'.

Please truly consider my concerns as they are equal to the concerns of any stakeholder.