Hello,

I write to express my concern about the proposed modifcation to the M4/M5 link in the Rozelle/Annandale area. I note that the second modifcation has led to the planned removal of the “Greenlink” cyclist/pedestrian connection between Annandale/Rozelle and the foreshore.

If I have read the proposal correctly, it seems that those who wish to access the foreshore area across the Crescent, in the vicinity of Johnston Street, will find this far more difficult than it is at present, with removal of the current pedestrian crossing, and, now with the second modification, removal of the Green Link.

The designers and planners cannot be aware of the huge numbers of pedestrians and cyclists who use this crossing daily. These include family groups with small children and pets. It is not clear how those with limited mobility, including the elderly and those who might be pushing prams, strollers or carrying shopping, will be able to negotiate what appears to be a very difficult route.

I regularly use the Blackwattle Bay foreshore area, along with my dog, as do thousands of others, including both local residents and visitors. I also regularly ride my bicycle along the shared cycle way/footpath towards the Anzac Bridge and am very concerned that the M4/M5 link project will make this area unsafe and impractical to use.

I ask that the Project Team and the RMS

1. reconsider this second modification and ensure that the Green Link, as initially proposed, is reinstated.
2. review the cyclist facilities in the area of the Rozelle interchange to ensure that there is seamless (ie without need to dismount) access for cyclists from the Annandale area to the Anzac Bridge. These cycle paths should not be “shared” pathways unless very wide and separated, noting the large numbers of both commuters and recreational cyclists who use this route as access to the city.
3. ensure that any future modifications or developments are consistent with the longer term vision of keeping our city a pleasant place to live and work.

thank you

My submission and objection is as follows:
SSI 7485
(1) In outline, 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. Reconsideration should be given to obvious alternatives such as an underground tunnel running under Whites Creek.

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’.

(2) Pedestrian access to Bicentennial Park and Jubilee Park

This modification prioritises the needs of motorists, trashing the experience of local pedestrian traffic and making it 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. This pedestrian arrangement should be modified to allow pedestrians to cross direct from Johnston Street to the Park via The Crescent.

(3) 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. I find this an appalling idea - quite enough trees have already been sacrificed for this project and we should do everything possible to conserve the ones remaining.

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 - and they will never replicate the maturity, magnificence and climate and habitat value of the current trees.

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.

(4) Relocation of the green link

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 and puts the needs of motorists ahead of pedestrians and cyclists.

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.

Please act to respect and defend the original planning features. This modification is not acceptable and is just another encroachment on the liveability of our environment which is disappearing at an alarming rate.