As a young family that has just moved to the area, I look forward to raising my children in Rozelle and its surrounds, and open green space, safe cycle ways and access to the foreshore are all parts of the new community that we highly value. Please consider this submission seriously and reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park. Please do not proceed with newly proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass.

1. VISUAL IMPACT
1.1. The original proposal that was agreed was a tunnel, which, apart from its construction phase would have had little impact on the area.
1.2. The proposed “modifications” are so significant that the proposed overpass will dominate and destroy the local landscape.
1.3. This is in an area that has over two hundred years of history. It is listed as a heritage conservation area. The Inner West Council states on its website, “Little change can be expected other than modest additions and discrete alterations”. (https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/develop/planning-controls/heritage-and-conservation/heritage-conservation-areas. Accessed 11/9/19). In view of these guidelines to residents, how can a massive overpass be justified?
1.4. The modifications are so different from the original proposals that they fly in the face of conditions of the original consent.
1.5. There will be a massive, and purely negative, visual impact on a large number of residents in Annandale.
2. NOISE POLLUTION
2.1. The prevailing winds in Sydney are Westerly;
2.2. There will be significant noise pollution to persons and property in a large area, predominantly but not limited to, the west of the proposed overpass. This will adversely affect Annandale.
3. RELOCATION OF THE GREEN LINK
3.1. Consent for the original proposal (by way of a tunnel) was conditional upon the “Green Link” connecting the Rozelle Goods Yard to Bicentennial Park.
3.2. The proposal seeks to “re-locate” this link, thereby removing the direct connection.
3.3. Anyone wishing to walk or cycle from the Rozelle Goods Yard to Bicentennial Park will now need to walk for an estimated minimum of 20 minutes, alongside a raised motorway overpass, beside the traffic on the crescent, eventually crossing four pedestrian crossings. This is farcical and dangerous. It shows no consideration of residents, pedestrians and cyclists.
4. DESTRUCTION OF BURUWAN PARK
4.1. One of the things that makes our suburb so desirable is its parks and established trees. They are used by families throughout the year, they link us to the two hundred year history of the suburb and they provide us with a green barrier between the City West Link and residences.
4.2. Our Council and State governments normally support measures to combat global warming: it seems extraordinary that at a time when the whole world is decrying the destruction of trees in the Amazon, a serious proposal is made that would cause the loss of well over 70 trees, some of which are beautiful, mature fig trees, and which cannot be compensated for with new planting.
4.3. The creeping destruction of Sydney’s green spaces, little by little, risks the loss of amenities that are essential for a city’s health.
5. REMOVAL OF RIGHT TURN OUT OF JOHNSTON ST INTO THE CRESCENT
5.1. This is crucial for local residents and removing this right turn will mean increased traffic through local streets.
5.2. Currently, children play on local streets. The removal of the right turn into the Crescent will cause an increase in traffic in local streets. The proposals, should they proceed, will either force them inside or endanger them. In addition, there will be an increase in noise and emissions in local streets.
6. DESTRUCTION OF COMMUNITY
6.1. Annandale and its environs has a strong sense of community, it is in many respects like a village. This is due in part to its quiet atmosphere. The construction of an inherently noisy overpass will have a significant adverse effect on the area.
6.2. One of the reasons people love living in Annandale is this sense of community and the easy access to parks and water.
6.3. People greet each other in the street, businesses know the local residents, it is safe for children to play outside and everyday residents throng to Jubilee and Bicentennial Parks.
6.4. It is a healthy, friendly and supportive community with values the government should be fostering. We believe the proposed modifications will change this detrimentally in every way.
6.5. We understand that the reason the modification is sought is a financial one. However, a proper cost/benefit analysis that fails to take into account the above listed objections will give a flawed result. It is only by taking into account the intangible benefits that will be destroyed by an overpass, that a proper accounting can be done. The loss of property values and lifestyle of thousands of people in Annandale and its environs seems to have been omitted from the calculations.

For the reasons detailed above we oppose the proposed modification from a tunnel to an overpass, and we look forward to your reply.

I object

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.

The proposed modification:
● Increases the traffic to Johnston St without improving the pedestrian crossing in front of Annandale North Public School, which seriously risks the lives of our children attending this school.
● Significantly reduces safety for families and pedestrians with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park.
● Removes 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.
● 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.

In addition, the modification increases the number of roads to cross by 5 pedestrian crossings, without allowing enough space at each crossing for a group of families, or a class of students to stand together. No alternative assisted pedestrian crossings have been factored in along The Crescent to allow the community to cross this busy road in other locations.

My submission is requesting the RMS:
● Significantly improve the pedestrian crossing in front of Annandale North Public School by:
○ widening the footpath in front of and opposite the school,
○ new fencing along the median strip and footpath,
○ improved signage around the school, and
○ relocation of the traffic light buttons for pedestrians closer to the actual crossing.
● 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.


Regards,
KH