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

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.

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.

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.

I object to this proposed modification. The greenlink already approved should be constructed and not deleted and replaced by inappropriate piecemeal disjointed paths and at-grade road crossings. Please read my attached submission to see the list of points made opposing this modification.

I have lived in Annandale for over 60 years in which time the foreshore has been progressively opened up for the benefit of the community. This has been a wonderful achievement, however the proposed plans are a major reversal of this situation. It makes pedestrian access to parkland both difficult and dangerous. Furthermore the proposed car ramp from the crescent would be an horrendous eyesore. And what has happened to the pedestrian greenlink!
Simply, the proposed changes are devoid of merit and a breach of trust.

I write regarding Application SSI 7485 and 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:
• Cutting off the Annandale community’s ease of access to one of the few open spaces in the area at a time when we are told to be more active to reduce the financial burden on our health system.
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.
Your sincerely,
Personal details provided

See attached.