MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

I object to the modification of the approved design of the M4-M5 link MOD 2 as I believe the design negatively impacts The Crescent in Annandale, Johnston St and the surrounding neighborhood. I am a resident of Kentville Avenue, Annandale and the construction of a massive overpass will directly have an impact on my home and the current enjoyment my family and I experience in living where we do. There will be an increase in air pollution and traffic noise as car usage increases, not to mention the significant negative visual impact an overpass would have on my neighborhood. The modification ignores the conditions of consent on the landscape and livability of my local area and is at complete odds with local development standards.
The village feel Annandale has is very special and will be completely lost as cars race down Johnston St and directly onto the City West Link/Anzac Bridge. Johnston St will become a major thorough fare negatively impacting the neighborhood. I'm particularly concerned about the increase traffic in Johnston St and the safety of our children as most primary aged children attend one of the three primary schools along Johnston St (North Annandale Primary, Annandale Primary or St Brendan's Catholic Primary School). The increase in traffic will make it very unsafe for parents/carers who walk their children to school, as well as the numerous school walking excursions the children participate in during the year.
I am also appalled the modification would remove the option to turn right out of Johnston St into the Crescent. This will only serve to push traffic through local streets including Piper St and Booth St.
My family and I enjoy cycling and walking down to Bicentennial and Jubilee Parks. The modification will make it extremely hard and dangerous to access the public waterfront as we will have to use four pedestrian crossings in order to reach Bicentennial Park opposed to the one safe crossing we currently use.
I am also concerned about the destruction of Buruwan Park and the loss of over 70 trees and several beautiful mature fig trees. Removing this vegetation will once again impact on the livability of Annandale by removing shade and destroying the green barrier it provides between the City West Link and residences.
Finally, no thought has been given to the huge imposition the modification will have on the local landscape in the inner west. The overpass will obstruct Rodney Monk's heritage mural. It is a dearly loved and historically important local artifact that should be protected. The suburb of Annandale and its streets should be kept for local traffic only and not be used as a thorough fare for all and sundry.

See attached.

I object to the plans in Annandale

The proposed overpass should deliver safety and efficiency dividends relative to the originally-approved design and is worthy of support for these reasons alone. Even though the project area is already somewhat despoiled, I urge those responsible to ensure that the new infrastructure is designed and finished in a way that is as beautiful as possible, and that a long-term maintenance plan, including plantings, is made a condition of approval and funded appropriately, to prevent the whole structure becoming a featureless grey collector of tyre grit. Pedestrians and cyclists (I am both) are well provided for, but they will use the facilities more if they are beautiful and well vegetated.
I have a slight concern that those North Annandale residents most affected by the construction will not have direct access to the M4-White Bay link, instead having to begin and end journeys to Western Sydney using the existing City West link. This is probably unavoidable without creating additional portals.

The modifications to the projects fail on the following points: (1) Unsafe direct cycling and pedestrian access to the foreshore (2) No direct access to foreshore via the Greenlink (3) Inability to turn right from Johnson Street to the Crescent - I rely on this access to safely cycle to work (4) The shared user pathways do not easily link with the Bays Precinct Master Plan (5) The design does not solve a transport congestion problem, it exacerbates it if the current level of traffic at this intersection is already showing. The design ignores urban amenity and minimises any landscaping to link the railway goods year green space and the foreshore (6) There is minimal and distorted interconnectedness between the light rail, cycleways and any future integration of ferry services in Rozelle Bay. (7) The proposed concrete plaza has no aesthetic or visual separation from the proposed flyover. It has no amenity at all. (8) The proposed shared user paths are narrow and unworkable.

In summary, it is scandalous that the transport planners of the consultants working for RMS feel the best way to address a problem is to create a bigger one. RMS has favoured expediency and laziness over good design that places people as integral components. This design favours traffic first and people a distant last. Even the original design is better than this.

I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The GreenLink was more than just a walk way - it put people central to the design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the community now and into the future Bays Precinct design. My young family and I enjoy frequent cycle, scooter and dog-walking trips to the foreshore, which is a wonderful feature of this area. Please allow this to continue!
See attached letter.
Thank you.

Bike Leichhardt
62 Lamb St
Lilyfield
NSW
[email protected]
September16, 2019

Director, Transport Assessments
Planning Services
Dept of Planning, Industry and Environment

Submission on Modified EIS - SSI 7485

The “Green Link” over The Crescent now no longer provides direct access to the foreshore. Bike Leichhardt can see the reasoning for achieving this instead by the new shared path bridge but we point out that for cyclists coming off the Anzac Bridge via what we hope will be (on the face of it, as no details are available) a path under Victoria Rd and along the linear Railyard Park this will be a long detour, first to the west then curling back to the new bridge. We would urge you to investigate a more direct connection, in more of a straight line from Victoria Rd underpass to the new crossing of City West Link to the foreshore path, recognising that a long ramp will be required to attain bridge level. Alternatively an underpass could be provided.

Cyclists may well decide to use the ramp down to Sommerville Rd under Anzac Bridge and use James Craig Drive, but this route is dangerous due to the narrow road under the bridge and usage by heavy vehicles and Port traffic. The shared path ramp down from the bridge is also steep and has sharp bends and unprotected railings. This route should be considered as a likely alternative route for cyclists and these issues should be addressed.
We also deplore the loss of Buruwan Park and the at-grade connection to Railway Pde and consider the Green Link a poor substitute, overshadowed by the flyover. We request that an at-grade shared path link be retained from the Railway Pde rail underpass, along the new line of The Crescent, next to the Mural, to Johnston St. We do note that there will be a multi phase pedestrian crossing of The Crescent at City West Link, and this will provide a method of getting to the foreshore, but it will be longer and may take longer if light phasing favours City West traffic. In any case we request that bike lights be installed there.

Some cyclists using the Green Link will naturally want to descend to The Crescent level via the proposed pedestrian ramp, shown in purple on the diagrams. We can see this leading to conflict and enforcement issues and say that it would be much better if it was designed as a shared path.

Cyclists using the Green Link will also probably have to dismount to cross the light rail, and enforcement issues will arise. In our view it is safe to ride across the light rail if cyclists stop and look.

The gradient up to the light rail level from Railway Pde is quite steep, which will be a disincentive to those cyclists using Railway Pde from Leichhardt and Whites Ck areas, hence our request for an at grade connection. The gradient up Pritchard St and Annandale St is also quite steep, so the Green Link will not improve access to Annandale greatly.
We see Johnston St as being important for access to Annandale and note that there is nothing in the modified EIS to assist cyclists to use this street. An existing bike lane on the northbound side leading to The Crescent appears to have been replaced with a traffic lane. We request that a shared path or bike path be instituted between The Crescent and Rose St, to provide an easier gradient into Annandale, Kentville being steep.

Similarly on the southbound side of Johnston, a bike lane uphill or a shared path should be included or allowed for from The Crescent. Some angle parking could be removed to allow this. We note that requirement 60 in the EIS for a Bicycle Implementation Strategy could include works on Johnston St. It was a long term goal of the the former Leichhardt Council to provide a bike path or lanes along Johnston St.

Cyclists may also decide to use the existing pedestrian refuge on The Crescent, opposite the new skate park, to get to and from the City of Sydney parklands (and the Chapman Rd bike route) and Johnston St. We request that shared paths be instituted on The Crescent and around the slip road to Johnston St.

We ask that the bicycle shoulder from Chapman Rd southbound under the light rail bridge on the Crescent be retained, and that the shoulder be maintained at least as far as the Refuge Crossing and preferably as far as any access path into the Parklands and Chapman Rd that City of Sydney Council will be providing. As a longer term goal under E60 a two way bike path could be extended along The Crescent, from the refuge crossing, to Nelson St (a north south connector bike route) at least, noting that the new parklands mean no or little need for parking along that side of The Crescent and substantial sections are already No Standing near Trafalgar St bend.

The lights at Johnston St and The Crescent should also have bicycle lanterns.

Finally, we do not know if it is feasible but we ask that an underpass of The Crescent near Johnston St be investigated so that direct access to the foreshore can be provided for pedestrians and cyclists.

Robert Moore
Vice President
Bike Leichhardt Inc

The proposed modification to relocate the pedestrian and cycling links are completely unacceptable. The active transport links are not links at all, and require pedestrians and cyclists travelling from Annandale and Leichhardt (the communities that are closest to the foreshore and most likely to access it) to either travel a long circuit via the Rozelle Rail Yards, or to cross 4 busy traffic intersections. Neither of these is a practical or safe way to connect residents with the foreshore, and will likely make it more dangerous as people jaywalk across busy intersections full of fast-travelling vehicles. It completely dismisses the needs of the people who live in the community who are having their local area affected by the WestConnex.

As a cyclist who commutes daily to and from work from the inner west via the Glebe Foreshore, I and many of my fellow daily commuters would be negatively affected by the proposed change. The foreshore is the most beautiful place to cycle, and every morning I see it being used by so many other people playing sports, walking their dogs, or going for a morning run. Removing a safe continuous active transport link into the foreshore area from the surrounding suburbs means cutting off this wonderful space that is so valued by the local community.

There is a great opportunity to integrate accessible, green open space into this area that will enhance the local community and turn the Rozelle/Annandale/Bays Precinct area into a world-class locality that is desirable to live in, while still meeting the needs of the WestConnex project. Singapore is an excellent example of a city that has integrated people-centric design and green space into major transport infrastructure. Sydney deserves better, and I implore RMS and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to think of the future, and to think of a city that people love to live in.

My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:
- Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentiannial Park
- Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct
- Design the modification structure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and it's potential future development.
- Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force them onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
- Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport - including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf.

I strongly oppose this project for the following reasons.
It will have a disastrous effect on the quality of life of local people by favouring the car and tollways.
The Cahill expressway-type overpass and concrete walkway will block local residents from access to Bicentennial Park and the Harbour foreshore at Rozelle Bay. It is destroying the green environment that we campaigned so hard for in the1980's and established in Annandale along the foreshore and its surrounds.
How can I walk with my grandchildren from Annandale to their favourite playgrounds in Rozelle Bay?
This plan will further reduce access to public transport, which is vital for the elderly, children attending schools e.g. in Balmain and Glebe, and people who do not drive cars.
The current plan will compound traffic congestion in local streets. How will people in the northern end of Annandale get to doctors, dentists, and shops in Glebe if we cannot turn right from Johnston Street into The Crescent? How can I drive my elderly neighbour to the dentist and doctor in Glebe? Booth St is already congested with heavy traffic and will get worse and more traffic will be forced into residential streets.

Please find attached pdf supporting my objection to the Modification.

The current modification to the approved design for the M4-M5 Link makes it so difficult and unsafe for many local residents to access the foreshore at Rozelle Bay and the green space that is proposed for this area.To stand ready to cross this intersection currently, requires courage and a bit of madness - so we were delighted that the footbridge would see walkers, push bikes, pram pushers and joggers easily accessing the foreshore and the green space that we are expecting to be created. The current proposal is once again, not considering the health benefits of the local population, but the impatience of car drivers.
Please reconsider the the latest modification and return to the construction of the footbridge.

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39
Sydney, NSW 2001
Application: SSI 7485
Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,
I write regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to
pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.
I request RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car
overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe,
direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the
Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The GreenLink was more than just a walk way - it put
people central to the design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the
community now and into the future Bays Precinct design.
I am requesting RMS put people back into the plan – we want you to reinstate your own vision as laid out in
Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Work with us to design a feasible option that brings the best
elements from the approved EIS design into the modification.
My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
● The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access
over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street. 
● Being required to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the
foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle Bay light rail stop.
● Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the
proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a
Ferry wharf and Metro station.
● Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
● Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local
streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.
Alongside these issues my other concerns include:
POOR CONSULTATION
I’m very concerned with the lack of community consultation around this modification which
— if you’re honest with yourselves — is a complete redesign of this intersection. Nearly
everyone I talked to a week ago knew NOTHING about this change.
This type of behaviour appears as if RMS is trying to sneak through major changes to our
local area and only exacerbates the rift between you and the community.
MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT WE’VE GOT
As a parent of four kids who attend Annandale North Primary and as a local resident of over
4 years myself, my family and friends are all frequent users of our local green spaces. We
are particularly lucky to be able to walk down to the water on the Glebe Foreshore to

exercise, participate in junior cricket or just walk around the bay to clear our minds. This
open space is of huge importance to us and the wellbeing of the people that live in this busy
city. Sydney is SO lucky to be on the harbour and we should be doing everything we can to
sensitively design infrastructure around this asset — not compromise access through lazy
design. The overpass has been dumped in the middle of the plan and everything has been
changed to fit around it. You need to change the priorities and put people back as a
priority stakeholder in this plan.

HONOURING PROMISES MADE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
The Approved Environmental Impact Statement at
https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent
?AttachRef=SSI-7485%2120190227T231413.342%20GMT p8 details several principals
which have been completely abandoned by this modification:
● Connect and provide for communities The concept offers a parkland
destination that works to stitch together previously separated communities by
providing a range of social infrastructure at a central, easily accessible location.
MOD 2 fails this principal
● Enhance green links The concept reactivates closed-off land through new green
spaces and links. These links strategically establish a new green “interaction”
connecting a series of significant yet fragmented [future and existing] green spaces in
and around White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle, Balmain, Glebe and Annandale. MOD 2
removes direct access
● Respond to the local character Respecting and maintaining the unique heritage,
industrial character and topography of the Rozelle Rail Yards through interpretation.
A massive concrete overpass obstructing a historically significant local
mural and concrete plaza — really?
● Revitalise streets for equality of mobility New public spaces and much-needed
universally accessible links establish entirely new “public streets” and enhance the
surrounding neighbourhood. If, like me, you’ve pushed a heavy pram up long,
steep ramps, looked after two kids on scooters on their way to the park or
volunteered to supervise 60 school kids on their way to the park MOD2 is
NOT an enhancement

My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:
● Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial
Park
● Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.

● Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs,
the location of the foreshore and it’s potential future development.
● Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force them onto busier
streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
● Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and
Foreshore Ferry Wharf


Yours Sincerely,

Frances

Hi there,
I am writing to you regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass, and the changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.

I request RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The GreenLink made people central to the design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the community as well as safe active transport links.

My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
- The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street. This is particularly worrisome for the local schools, especially Annandale North Public School; classes from the school regularly walk down to Bicentennial Park for sport and other activities.
- Being required to cross up to five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle Bay light rail stop. While the modification suggests that the new design maintains traffic flows, it makes no mention of the increased time pedestrians and cyclists will require to cross the Crescent. This is a very busy pedestrian and cycling thoroughfare, used by many commuters, and the changes do little to promote active and environmentally friendly transport options.
- Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a Ferry wharf and Metro station.
- Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
- Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.

Alongside these issues my other concerns include:

- poor consultation. This is a complete redesign, and nobody in the community had any idea these changes were coming.

- a complete lack of consideration for pedestrians and cyclists in the design. The open spaces of the foreshore are amazing, and I count myself very lucky that my children can walk or cycle safely to the foreshore. We are missing a huge opportunity by moving the Greenlink, and creating some sever safety hazards for children. As a community we should be opening up access to the foreshore, not removing it. The modification paper notes that some 40+% of trips in the innerwest are made on foot. Please provide a safe way for us to continue to do so!

- poor overall design, which puts cars and roads at the forefront, and presents a huge number of disadvantages for pedestrians, cyclists and the internationally recognised asset that is the Sydney Harbour. A good design would optimise around unique and valuable assets (Harbour/Foreshore) and balance the needs of all stakeholders with special attention paid to those most at risk (pedestrians, cyclists).

- a failure to honour promises to future generations. The Approved Environmental Impact Statement at
https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSI-7485%2120190227T231413.342%20GMT p8 details several principals which have been completely abandoned by this modification:
1. Connect and provide for communities The concept offers a parkland destination that works to stitch together previously separated communities by providing a range of social infrastructure at a central, easily accessible location. MOD 2 fails this principal.
2. Enhance green links. The concept reactivates closed-off land through new green spaces and links. These links strategically establish a new green “interaction” connecting a series of significant yet fragmented [future and existing] green spaces in and around White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle, Balmain, Glebe and Annandale. MOD 2 removes direct access.
3. Respond to the local character. Respecting and maintaining the unique heritage, industrial character and topography of the Rozelle Rail Yards through interpretation. A massive concrete overpass obstructing a historically significant local mural and concrete plaza doesn't do this!
4. Revitalise streets for equality of mobility. New public spaces and much-needed universally accessible links establish entirely new “public streets” and enhance the surrounding neighbourhood. This mod clearly doesn't do this - 4-5 sets of traffic lights for kids from the local school, cyclists, parents with small kids?

My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:
- Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park
- Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.
- Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and it’s potential future development.
- Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force them onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf

As a Sydney resident and as a geologist, I'm pleased to see projects like the WestConnex creating a better future for the city.

My submission is asking the project team to:
Reinstate the Greenlink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park
Relocate and redesign pedestrian and cyclist connections that are SAFE, continuos and direct
Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and its potential future development.
Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people's safety and no not force them into busier streets.
Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport including the futureMetro west and foreshore ferry wharf.

See attachment for further details

I write to object to the proposed MOD 2 for the Crescent overpass and active transport links, my detailed submission is included in the attached letter.

This project is greatly disturbing. To say you will do one thing and keep it “green” then create a highway mess is disappointing. No one wants to see it. No one wants to stand at the tram stop with cars whizzing past their heads. You have taken a beautiful area and destroyed it. Destroyed the walk or ride into the city, destroyed our drive, destroyed our area.

Have some compassion for the local residents you are wiping out entire suburbs.

I write regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.

The proposed modification reduces the amenity for people living in Lilyfield and Rozelle and the promised connection between the areas and the foreshore connection to Glebe. For high school children on their cycle or walking route to the senior campus at Blackwattle, the route is more dangerous and less direct. This is the zoned public school year 11 and 12 campus for the children of the area.

I request RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The GreenLink was more than just a walk way - it put people central to the design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the community now and into the future Bays Precinct design.

I am requesting RMS put people back into the plan – I want you to reinstate your own vision as laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Work with the community to design a feasible option that brings the best elements from the approved EIS design into the modification.

My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
- The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street.
- Being required to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle light rail stop.
- Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a Ferry wharf and Metro station.
- Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
- Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.

My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:
- Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park.
- Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.
- Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and it’s potential future development.
- Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force us onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
- Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf.

Yours Sincerely,
Name: Danielle Townsend
Address: 36 Alberto St, Lilyfield NSW 2020
Email: [email protected]

The proposed flyover and active link downgrades the amenity of local residents by removing direct connectivity to parks and foreshore, increasing visual and auditory impact of traffic and associated roadways, increases potential for unsafe pedestrian routes to the park and illegal car movements on Johnston St / Crescent intersection, renigs on previous commitment of no high level roads and compromises heritage structures in the area, by placing road traffic as its priority.

Further, as the design details for the implementation and final structures has not been resolved, including the heights and inclusions (signage, lights, signals, etc), of both roadways and active links, in conjunction with a lack of commitment to an integrated landscaping design, means that the proposal offers no guarantees or certainties for either roads or pedestrians users.

I specifically object to:

1. Loss of direct access by foot to the park at end of Johnston St. Many locals use this route daily, it is NOT SAFE or acceptable to replace one crossing with 4 crossings. We will be disconnected from our park by this proposal.

2. The proposed pedestrian link is NOT an ACCEPTABLE pathway to the foreshore for Annandale residents, it will force them to take a unduly extended, convoluted route to get to the park safely. Replacing the previously approved direct green link with a double loop via the exhaust stacks is a poor solution, further complicating the problem.

3. Loss of aspect and amenity from Rozelle Bay light rail station, as a result of the overpass and footway flyovers. Further to the loss of trees in Buruwun Park (that currently buffer road noise from residential areas), the proposed high level road will SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE traffic noise and visual / airborne pollution in the vicinity. Already we have experienced increased noise along Pritchard St following the partial tree removal in the park, road noise is now apparent from the middle of Pritchard St.

4. We were promised NO HIGH LEVEL roads in the original approval. The flyover directly contravenes this.

5. Loss of right hand turn at Johnston to the Crescent. Removing the right turn WILL INCREASE the incidence of cars entering Chapman Rd to make a U-turn and then turn left onto the Crescent heading East. This illegal, unsafe manoeuvre already occurs and will increase as result of loss of current right turn.

6. The proposed increase in traffic lanes on The Crescent along the foreshore, from 4 to 6, DECREASES potential parkland green areas and will INCREASE the pace of traffic movement up Johnston St, which has 2 school zones and many residential houses, impacting on local safety.

7. Proposed works zone along the Crescent and associated truck movements will impede on the safety of pedestrians entering the park during construction, reducing local amenity.

8. Heritage structures including the railway line and the Crescent mural will be negatively affected by the road works.
The elevated road and broadening of roads, plus increase of traffic light controlled intersections in the immediate proximity to these compromise their integrity and contribution to the urban fabric of the suburb.

The proposed changes will have an unacceptable visual impact on our beautiful foreshore and limit our access to that foreshore in the future.
We’ll lose a lot of the natural beauty of the space and the utility of that space for existing (crescent mural) and future community artworks that are a part of the culture of our community. The proposed changes will also reduce cyclists and pedestrians walking to work. I walk to work 3 times a week over the Anzac bridge and having that ease of access would be lost under the changes.
The loss of all the trees is also untenable in our community that enjoys its mature trees which are needed to make large improvements to reduce carbon emissions, and reduce climate change.
I’m disappointed that we’re again thinking to reduce the short-term costs of this project by increasing the long term cost to our environment our amenity and our communities.