MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

The original proposal was for an underpass to carry vehicular traffic, and small overpasses to carry pedestrians and bicycles. This proposal was superior to the proposed modification. The proposed modification entails much greater destruction of green space and a larger encroachment of roadway upon the environment than the original proposal. Also, the modified pedestrian and bicycle links will not connect to the foreshore as previously intended, making them less useful. More generally, I support the objections to this proposal raised by Mr Jamie Parker, the member for Balmain.

Attention: Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services,
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment


Re: Application SSI 7485

Rozelle Interchange WestConnex The Crescent Overpass Modification


Dear Sir/Madam,

I write regarding the proposed modification to the M4-M5 link The Crescent overpass and related changes impacting pedestrian links to Annandale North, Rozelle Bay and the foreshore.

I am concerned about the following:

• The visual impact of the proposed changes on views to and from Annandale and Rozelle Bay. This will have a significant adverse impact on the character of the local area.

• The removal of direct links to the foreshore and the cutting off of the foreshore to the community. This lacks foresight and good planning with regard to the long term development of the Bays Precinct.

• The effective alienation of Bicentennial Park from the local community- crossing five sets of traffic lights, particualrly with young children is dangerous.

• The modification as will reduce safety for pedestrians and cyclists with the removal of access over the Crescent to Bicentennial Park.

• The impact of changes on The Crescent mural.


I request that the Project team:

• Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the local suburbs, links to the foreshore and in a manner that reduces the visual impact of the modifications.

•Re-instate where possible the GreenLink which we were promised at the start of this process.

• Provide pedestrian routes that maximise safety.

PLEASE
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.

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 localstreets 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 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.
WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL
It’s patently obvious that this design is less about optimising traffic flow in the area, and much more about preparing for the Western Harbour Tunnel. Why else would there be one lane going on to the overpass, with another decicated to a left turn at the City West Link, given how few people make that turn.

THE IMPACT ON OUR FAMILY
I am a parent of two young children, and we use the foreshore several times per week – so getting to my son’s football at Jubilee Park, to teaching them to ride bikes and scooters, playing at the playgrounds and walking to the Tramshed. The ease of use of the area would have been enhanced by the original plans, and will be greatly eroded by the new ones. Why? Because the solve for the best traffic flow, not the best pedestrian/cyclist/resident flow.

PRACTICING GOOD DESIGN
There are constraints in every design but my concerns around the MOD2 reports is significant work detailing the optimisation for cars and roads and 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).

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 principalswhich 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. Pushing heavy prams (as is do), dealing with young children on bikes and scooters and doing so while carrying heavy shopping or bags is not made easier by these “improvements”.

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 its 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

Furthermore I suggest:

Yours Sincerely,


WF

I firmly object.

I strongly object to the proposed modifications to remove the agreed and approved Greenlink to the Crescent which has been outlined in the M4-M5 Link MOD 2. Please see details in the attached letter.

Instead of the promised GreenLink, there will be a concrete road overpass blocking the foreshore. And 5 sets of traffic lights to cross from Johnston St to the park. (And a whole lot of extra traffic in Nth Annandale through to Tramsheds)

It’s not safe for people (including kids) or attractive - and misses the opportunity to finally link all the cycle paths and walking paths together and create something special.

I object to the proposed amendments and plan

Please don’t create this pollution intense concrete eyesore in our area. The project is destroying likyfield and Rozelle and no longer the green space as previously promised. Please ask the locals what they want instead of physically dividing the area and increasing traffic.

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass.I am concerned about the loss of safe and direct access from Annandale to the foreshore and ask that the plans return to the initial approved design. As a resident in this area, I hope you will take my concerns seriously.
Yours sincerely,
Siegrun Krauss

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,

Please accept this Objection to the M4-M5 Link Modification to The Crescent Overpass and Active Links, App No. SSI 7485. I am seeking the reinstatement of the approved Green link and the conditions of consent namely E120 ad E121 be maintained and the principles of those conditions be applied. The Modification removes many of these principles thus requiring changes to the conditions.

Firstly I am seeking that RMS determines an alternate option that allows for network performance and maintains the conditions as written, without amendments. My understanding from RMS is that there are alternate options outside of those listed in the EIS Modification report which were not explored and would be feasible and allow for the original green link as a continuous pathway to be reinstated. Like any infrastructure project not all iterations of an option are explored unless the project team is pressed to do so due to constraints or in this case clearly identified consequences for the community that split the communities access to the foreshore, push pedestrians onto unsafe, unlinked and indirect pathways.

If RMS determine that they can not design an overpass or alternate option within their timeframe and contract arrangements already in place I request the overpass be put back into the Western Harbour Tunnel EIS as was originally designed. I object to limited time and already signed contracts being a determinant of in appropriate design, inadequate option investigation and removal of key elements that benefit the local community and in this case wider Sydney, due the active links being located on the foreshore and accessible as a destination for all Sydneysiders.

I do acknowledge minimising road disturbance by completing options now would be beneficial, however as the overpass and the active links are pieces of infrastructure that will live in their location far beyond the lifetime of any members involved in this project it is vital that the appropriate design and wider impacts be considered and mitigated. Once it is built everything else is a retrofit around it and this team and all involved have either contributed to an asset for the inner west or a legacy of poor planning and foresight which scars the landscape and the last remaining accessible part of the harbour.

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 key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
• The visual bulk of the overpass on the Crescent and how it cut s Annandale from the foreshore.
• The poor design of the alternate active transport links – not only being indirect, longer, steeper and unconnected to each other they are unattractive and not places that pedestrians or cyclists would be particularly comfortable being on from a health and safety perspective – as is the case of the current horseshoe crossing over Victoria Road -
• 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.
• The lack of design aesthetic created from the new infrastructure in such a prominent location that hinders and changes views for residents, impacts the value of homes and particularly impacts the heritage value of Annandale – North Annandale being a conservation area.

Alongside these issues my other concerns include:
POOR CONSULTATION
I’m very concerned with the lack of community consultation around this modification which 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.
The limited letterbox drop of pamphlets to immediate residents to the overpass - demonstrates a limited understanding of who uses and how the park is used. The absence of Emergency Services from the Consultation report – considering The Crescent and Johnston Street is a regularly used route for Ambulances to RPA – the overpass location will have local road traffic impacts that slow and push traffic further back into the suburb mainly due to two lanes from the street into a one lane overpass (before it changes back to two)- how will ambulances move through this new traffic creation? There is not captured consultation in the report.

WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL
RMS have confirmed that the overpass is preparation for the Western Harbour Tunnel. The design however ignores that most traffic off the Crescent does not turn left on to the City West Link, 90 percent will be trying to take the overpass to continue to the city and Victoria Road. Yet it is not design in a manner that captures this with the location of the bus stop blocking the entry and making it one lane entry only.

THE IMPACT ON OUR FAMILY
I am a parent of two young children, and we use the foreshore several times per week – so getting to my son’s football at Jubilee Park, to teaching them to ride bikes and scooters, playing at the playgrounds and walking to the Tramsheds. The ease of use of the area would have been enhanced by the original plans, and will be greatly eroded by the new ones. Why? Because the solve for the best traffic flow, not the best pedestrian/cyclist/resident flow. We are very concerned that no safety traffic audit has been completed and RMS have confirmed that this would not be completed until later – which means that there would be a retrofit for pedestrian safety if possible.

PRACTICING GOOD DESIGN
There are constraints in every design but my concerns around the MOD2 reports is significant work detailing the optimisation for cars and roads and 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).

My submission is asking RMS and DPIE as the approver:
• Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park and include the following elements.
• 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 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
• Require the an urban design and landscape plan be completed prior to the detailed design completion to ensure appropriate and sensitive design to the area and the value of the harbour asset for Sydney and NSW.
• The conditions of consent include a reference group of residents – including Annandale residents Rozelle and Annandale Foreshore Community, in an urban design and landscape plan for the design of the active transport links and appropriate connection into the Foreshore and Bays Precinct Masterplan.

Yours Sincerely,
Sarah Forde

I wanted to state my absolute rejection of the last minute modifications that detract from pedestrian and cycling 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, the local community, to design a feasible option that brings the best elements from the approved EIS design into the modification. What is required and being asked by the most vocal members of the local community are obvious to any compassionate designer and administration who is able to comprehend the local stakeholder input, and acting contrarian to such feedback smacks of developer greed and massive conflicts of interests, and a irrefutable betrayal of trust with a bait and switch tactic typically deployed by short term government administrations, should the Mod 2 proceed unattended given the local community feedback echoed here and from other local community groups like the Annandale and Rozelle Foreshore Community. We need to have the greenest, most pedestrian friendly, school children friendly and greenest city in the world if we are going to increase the livability of the city as we continue our aggressive growth in population of the city of Sydney and the latest modifications fail in that goal.

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 (are you designing a game of frogger for school chidren to fail at and be injured or killed?!) as my community's 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:
* a lack of vision to step change the tree coverage and greening of the project and surrounding spaces
* the prioritization of cars vs pedestrians and bikes
* the ongoing lack of filtration for the ventilation stacks without an immense major tree planting project in the immediate and all local surrounding areas to offset the pollution emitted within the local area - traffic pollution reduces intelligence (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/27/air-pollution-causes-huge-reduction-in-intelligence-study-reveals) and reduces life expectancy (https://phys.org/news/2018-11-air-pollution-global-life-years.html)
* We aren't embracing all opportunities to maximize and increase to a world leading level, the greening of the immediate and surrounding spaces (https://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/Top_Introduction.html) and the subsequent improved quality of life and improved credibility for the government and developers (https://greencitysolutions.de/en/benefits/) such cutting edge greening can achieve.

I sincerely hope the local community and the children of the project administrators will be proud of the amendments to Mod 2 that will prevail in the subsequent final changes to Mod 2 by addressing the concerns herein.

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,
Application: SSI 7485 Mod 2
I am writing regarding the proposed modification to the M4-M5 Link Mod 2. The Crescent overpass and changes to the pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.
Please can I request that RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. My request is to reinstate the safe, direct access from the previously approved EIS Greenlink.
The Greenlink puts the community at the heart of the design, creating what would be a very popular and well used open space for the community now and well into the future. It will become a safe area for families to enjoy and cycle ways linking Rozelle, Annandale and Lilyfield to the foreshore will provide great community hub in addition to a much needed reinstatement of trees and green space to clean the air polluted by the increased traffic coming into the area.
I am requesting that RMS reinstate its own vision as laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Please work with your community to design a feasible option that retains the best elements from the approved EIS design into the modification.
Specifically, my 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 multiple sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent in order to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle Bay light rail stop.
• How confident is RMS that waiting space at the pedestrian crossings will be large enough to safely accommodate people moving between North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore?
• Removing the connectivity between the light rail, cycleways, future Metro and ferry wharf will increase the congestion at the multiple pedestrian lights and further compromise the accessibility of the Bays Precinct Master Plan.
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 its 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.
• Put the people and community at the heart of development not the $ and passing traffic.
Yours sincerely,

Rozelle, NSW 2039

This modification completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project and threatens to impose unacceptable negative consequences on the landscape and liveability of our local area.

The proposed overpass is totally out of step with local development in Annandale and will obstruct a local heritage mural and destroy Buruwan Park. Sufficient consideration hasn’t been given to obvious alternatives such as an underground tunnel running under Whites Creek.

This modification will impose hugely on the local landscape in the inner west. A new elevated overpass is completely at odds with local development standards and will have a significant negative visual impact on Annandale and its surrounds.

The overpass will also obstruct Rodney Monk’s heritage mural which decorates the northern side of the light rail viaduct along The Crescent. That mural was commissioned by the Leichhardt Council in 1980 and inspired by political and social movements in the inner west. It is a dearly loved and historically important local artefact that should be protected.

This proposal could be replaced with a slot cut and cover trench running under Whites Creek to push traffic underground instead of overground and avoid the massive imposition of an overpass and destruction of the ‘people’s mural’.

This modification prioritises the needs of motorists, trashing the experience of local pedestrian traffic and making harder for residents to access the public waterfront.
Pedestrians walking from the Western side of Johnston Street will have to use an astonishing four pedestrian crossings in order to reach Bicentennial Park (see diagram below).
This pedestrian arrangement should be modified to allow pedestrians to cross direct from Johnston Street to the Park via The Crescent.

Destruction of mature fig trees at Buruwan Park
This design proposes to rip up Buruwan Park and all the vegetation at that site including over 70 trees and several beautiful mature fig trees.
Removing this vegetation will impact on the liveability of our suburb by removing shade, making our local area warmer and destroying the green barrier it provides between the City West Link and residences. Even if these trees are replaced with saplings, it could take up to a decade for tree cover to return to this site.
Any modification to this proposal should make every possible effort to save these trees and vegetation. At a bare minimum, these trees should not be removed until a full Urban Design and Landscape Plan has been completed.

This modification would abandon one of the centrepieces of the original design: a pedestrian and cycling green link to connect the Rozelle Goods Yard to Bicentennial Park.
Relocating that green link to the west of the intersection of The Crescent and City West Link ignores the original conditions of consent given for this project.

The proposed pedestrian bridge further north up the City West Link creates an unnecessarily long walk for pedestrians and an unnecessarily high climb of 5+ metres.
RMS and the contractors should reconsider other design options for a continuous green link from Rozelle Goods Yard, across the City West Link into Jubilee Park, including a link to Annandale and the Rozelle Bay light rail stop.

Increased local traffic in Annandale
This modification would remove the option to turn right out of Johnston Street into the Crescent which will increase traffic through local streets including Piper Street and Booth Street.

These changed conditions will mean increased noise and emissions for residents in Annandale.

17 September 2019

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39
Sydney, NSW 2001


Dear Director,

RE: APPLICATION SSI 7485

As a local resident, I write to you this submission 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 walkway - 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:-

1. 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;
2. 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.
3. 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.
4 Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
5. 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. I only found out about this redesign tonight when a friend tagged me in a post from a local community group. I have heard nothing from your department whatsoever. Incredibly poor.

It appears as if the RMS is attempting the redesign the entire proposal by stealth. I would expect that community consultation with a proposal such as this would be paramount even though it is apparent that government departments believe it is their right to run rough shod over individuals. We know you view us as an impediment.

MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT WE’VE GOT
As local resident of over 15 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, ride bikes, or enjoy the wonderful open space of jubilee park. Callum park is in the process of demolition by neglect and as such, this open space is of huge importance to us and the wellbeing of the people that live in this busy city. Sydney is 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 and poor 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.

PRACTICING GOOD DESIGN
I understand that there are constraints in every design but what I’m seeing in the MOD2 reports is table after table of optimisation for cars and roads and 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).

With environmental concerns (which should be paramount) we should be encouraging less use of motor vehicles and more access to better public transport, something the plan fails to do in any way shape or form.

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. MOD2 is NOT an enhancement - it’s a planning cop out


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

Furthermore I suggest you stop selling out our local community. The lack of community consultation is a disgrace. You are turning our beautiful area into an eyesore and backtracking on plans to the detriment of our community. You’ve asked us to put up with a lot but this latest proposal is a step too far and is insanity. I implore you to start having some respect for the local community.


Yours faithfully,


Penelope Purcell
38 Elizabeth Street
Rozelle NSW 2039



Penelope Purcell
Purcell Lawyers
1/299 Elizabeth Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Tel 0412249190

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.

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 new parent of a six month old son who will attend Annandale North Primary and as a local resident of over six 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, or just walk around the bay to clear our minds. One of our favourite activities on a Sunday is to stroll down to the Glebe Foreshore and on to Sydney Fish Markets for lunch before walking back home. 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.

PRACTICING GOOD DESIGN
Whilst I understand that there are constraints in every design but what I’m seeing in the MOD2 reports is table after table of optimisation for cars and roads and 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).

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

Furthermore I suggest:

That the decision to install unfiltered ventilation stacks so close to numerous childcare facilities and schools be reviewed and amended. I find it terrifying that these stacks have been approved with no filtering systems at all.


Yours Sincerely,




Name: JAMES ANDREW HARMER

This plan to build The Crescent overpass in Annandale completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project. It threatens to impose even more on the landscape and liveability of our local area.

I’m concerned that this Los Angeles style overpass will:

Have an unacceptable and unnecessary visual impact, Make it more difficult for pedestrians to access Jubilee Park from Johnston St Annandale and the Rozelle Goods Yards in Lilyfield;
Destroy over 70 trees including the large, mature fig trees at Buruwan Park; and fail to solve Sydney's traffic congestion problem.

The park area between the city west link and Lilyfield road was meant to be built as parkland for residents to use. Having an unsightly overpass running between the park and the crescent totally destroys the look of the park. As a local resident I oppose this plan!

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 – 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.
Alongside these issues my other concerns include:
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: France Millo
Address: 130 Young St. Annandale NSW 2038
Email: [email protected]

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 raise objections to the proposed modification on the following grounds:
o Switching of the pedestrian crossing over The Crescent at the northern end of Johnston St decreases pedestrian access to Bicentennial Park and decreases pedestrian safety.
o Pedestrians on the western side of Johnston St trying to enter Bicentennial Park will need to make 4 road crossings to access the park rather than the current single road crossing.
o Children of Annandale North Public School currently utilise the Bicentennial and Glebe Foreshore Parks for school sporting activites. There is a lack of large green spaces that are accessible to schools in Annandale. Bicentennial Park is a park that the school uses regularly. The proposed changes to the crossings at the north end of Johnston St will significantly affect the ability of students from the school to access this park. There is an increase in number of crossings and a lack a space for a school class to safely stand and wait between crossings.
o Students will likely be forced to cross Johnston St at the already unsafe pedestrian crossing outside Annandale North Public School.
o There is no alternative crossing over The Crescent to access the park. An additional crossing near the PetO building, for example would give students walking to the Park from Annandale North Public School into Bicentennial Park a safer alternate route.
o The plan will result in increased traffic on Johnston St Annandale without any proposal to improve the safety of the pedestrian crossing outside of Annandale North Public School. This crossing outside of Annandale North Public School is already unsafe.
o Removal of the right turn from Johnston St into The Crescent will decrease access for residents of Annandale to the Tramsheds Community Hub. This will force more traffic onto alternative routes to the Tramsheds for cars to access this community area. These alternative routes are likely to be:
o Booth St and Wigram Rd/Minogue Crescent.
• Booth St is already a bottle neck. Wigram road and Minogue Crescent are barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other.
o Back streets such as View Street, which are residential streets unsuitable for increased traffic
o The proposed overpass from The Crescent into City West Link to access Anzac Bridge is not in keeping with the original proposal of the road design, which had all these connections under ground. In principle, this connection is a good idea but should be designed as an underpass to improve the above-ground aesthetic.
o This overpass will obstruct a significant local mural and will limit pedestrian access from Annandale to the Glebe Foreshore and Bicentennial Park.
o Realignment of the Green Link reduces Annandale community access to Bicentennial Park.
o The proposed horseshoe shaped pedestrian and cyclist pathway over the new Annandale vehicle overpass is unnecessarily complex, will be ugly and will take pedestrians and cyclists so far out of their way, it will be unusable.

I request RMS to consider these issues and make changes to the proposed modification to rectify them.

In addition, as this proposed modification will have a negative safety impact on the children attending Annandale North Public School, I request that the RMS improve the crossing over Johnston St outside the school by:
○ widening the footpath in front of and opposite the school,
○ new fencing along the median strip and footpaths,
○ improved signage around the school, and
○ relocation of the traffic light buttons for pedestrians closer to the actual crossing


Yours sincerely,



Gordon Howe
2/233 Johnston St
Annandale NSW 2038

I strongly object to the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link - Mod 2 The Crescent overpass - and changes to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.
My objections are outlined in the attached submission.