Walking and cycling improvements: South Coogee to Kingsford

Published on 6 December 2018.

Every tree proposed for removal as part of a planned cycleway between Kingsford and South Coogee will be reviewed and alternative design options considered to retain as many as possible as part of the next stage of the project, Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said today, 6 December 2018.

The proposed 1.9km separated cycleway and streetscape upgrade along Bundock and Sturt Streets is proposed to link up with the light rail terminal at Kingsford and connect with another proposed cycleway to continue north along Houston Rd and Doncaster Ave to Centennial Park and on to the city.

Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said the Council conducted extensive community consultation over four weeks including door-knocking every property along the route, writing to property owners and widely exhibiting the plans.

“Trees are critically important for us as a Council and that’s why we went out to the community with a number of options for feedback,” Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said.

“I’d like to thank everybody who took the time to have their say on the important project. Council staff are reviewing the 790 submissions received during the consultation which closed on 23 November 2018. However it’s clear that amongst a range of issues, saving trees is a priority.

“The next stage of the design process involves engaging an independent arborist who will assess each tree proposed for removal so we can consider health, species, age and significance.

“Not every tree proposed for removal is significant. Some are very young, some are in poor health and at least one is dead. The arborist report will assist us in determining the significant trees so we can consider potential design alternatives to deliver a cycleway and retain trees,” Mayor Neilson said.

Randwick Council released two options for the cycleway. One option would see the removal of 129 onstreet parking spaces and 37 trees. While an alternative option would result in 30 trees being removed and 172 parking spaces. The second option involves zero tree removal along Bundock Street between Avoca and Canberra Streets. In both options, 60 advanced new trees would be planted to offset the loss.

“There’s some misinformation in the community about the proposal and this hasn’t been helped by orange ribbons tied around trees not proposed for removal. We want to have a genuine conversation with the community but it needs to be based on information. To assist the community to have all the information the arborist report will be publicly released early in 2019. Then we will explore potential design alternatives to save as many significant trees as possible,” Mayor Neilson said.

Further information on the cycleway project is available at www.lightrailtorandwick.com.au.
Media enquiries: Chelsea Hunter – 0419 694 983 or [email protected]

Joshua Hay –0402 351 459 or [email protected]

Originally published on Randwick Council website on 6 November 2018.

Randwick City Council is proposing to improve walking and cycling links between South Coogee and the new Kingsford light rail terminal and is seeking public feedback.

A design concept is on public exhibition from 29 October to 23 November 2018 which proposes building a separated cycleway from the Kingsford light rail terminal, across Anzac Parade, along Sturt Street, crossing Avoca Street and along Bundock Street ending at Malabar Road at South Coogee.

The 1.9km route is part of the Council’s adopted Cycle Strategy and will link another planned cycleway along Doncaster Ave between Kingsford and Centennial Park. The plans will provide safe and healthy transport options to improve local streets making them easier and more pleasant to walk and cycle along.

This link provides a key east-west connection with light rail as well as linking to local primary and high schools.

Work will include installing:

• New pathways and pedestrian crossings;
• New separated cycleway;
• Streetscape enhancements and upgrades, including new tree planting, improved street and pedestrian lighting and traffic safety measures; and
• Safer intersections and calmer traffic through implementation of clear markings and separation.

One option Council is seeking feedback on would see the removal of 129 onstreet parking spaces and 37 trees. While an alternative option would result in fewer trees being removed (30) but more car parking lost (172). In both options, 60 advanced new trees would be planted to offset the loss.

Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said:

“Council officers have spent a considerable amount of time exploring the best options for improving walking and cycling links between Kingsford and South Coogee along Sturt and Bundock Street.

“Given the narrowness of Bundock Street, it’s challenging to create a footpath and separated cycleway without impacting either onstreet parking or street trees. That’s why we’ve gone to the community with options for feedback. I encourage residents to view the plans online or in our libraries and tell us what they think.”

The options developed for Bundock Street provide a separated bi-directional cycleway on the south side of the street as well as a separate footpath.

To have your say visit www.lightrailtorandwick.com.au.The design development of the project is funded by the NSW Government as part of the Active Transport Program. Construction of the project is anticipated to take place in future years subject to funding from the NSW Government.

For more information please contact Council’s Sustainable Transport Team on 1300 722 542 or email [email protected]

Media enquiries:

Chelsea Hunter – 0419 694 983 or [email protected]

Joshua Hay – 0402 351 459 or [email protected]