ROZELLE INTERCHANGE MODIFICATION

I am opposed to the overpass for the following reasons;
* it will have an unacceptable and unnecessary impact,
* it will make it more difficult for pedestrians
* it will destroy over 70 trees in Burawan Park
* it will fail to assist with solutions to Sydney's traffic congestion problem.
Better PUBLIC TRANSPORT will assist in solving Sydney's transport problems.

To whom it may concern,

As a resident of Lilyfield in the inner west, I must object to the proposal for the new elevated overpass to allow motorists to bypass traffic lights at the intersection of The Crescent and City West Link.

This plan completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project and 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, and obstruct a significant local mural;
- 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.

I hope that the resounding community outcry against this ridiculous proposal will be heard, and that the ultimate outcome will be more in line with the initial proposal, so as to avoid having mislead the public once again on this incredibly disruptive project.

Kind regards,
Dr Nandita Kataria

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 one kid who attends Annandale North Primary and as a local resident of over 10 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.

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).

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,

Dr Noeris Salam

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:
(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. 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 one kid who attends Annandale North Primary and as a local resident of over 10 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.

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).

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:
(1) Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park
(2) Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.
(3) Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force them onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
(4) Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf

Yours Sincerely,

Dr Maria Tsoli

The proposed modification has a number of flaws which:
- Increase safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists crossing from the west side of Johnston St to bi-centennial park, at the intersections between The Crescent and Johnston St.
- Remove direct and easy access from Rozelle to the Glebe/Annandale foreshore as approved by the original plan
- Removal of the righthand turn at Johnston St into The Crescent and from The Crescent into James Craig road will:
o Sever the local communities of Annandale, Glebe, Forrest Lodge, Camperdown, Newtown and Stanmore from access to recreational parks, local businesses at the Tramsheds and future “state significant development” at Glebe Island as part of the Bays Precinct.
o Increase congestion on Balmain Road, Norton St and Booth St and commute times by 12 minutes as locals try to access the Glebe foreshore and Glebe Island via alternate routes
- Increase traffic speed and volume along Johnston St

The Glebe foreshore brings the community together through sporting cubs, recreational facilities, shops, businesses, marina, parks to play or walk their dogs. It is an important place for people in the community to come together.

The proposal’s modifications will have a huge impact on the thousands of families that use the Glebe foreshore each year. The changes do not “Contribute to liveable communities (ease congestion, connect communities, integrate land use and transport planning and facilitate urban revitalisation)” – one of WestConnex’s objectives.

This proposal fails against community expectations and planning objectives and should be rejected to allow better alternatives to be explored with community input. In addition, the flow models for the intersections should be publicly shared for peer review.

As someone who has regularly used these intersections and roads for the past 17 years and who is in touch with the community I recommend that alternatives are explored.

I strongly object to the modification proposed and how far removed they are from the plans that were approved.

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 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 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.

Green spaces are critical to the health and wellbeing of the community, they help clean the air polluted by cars, and prevent urban heat islands all of which is a consequence of your roads projects

Responsible development is the only way to sustain an already under pressure environment suffering the effects of climate change over development.

Kind Regards,
Peta