Kingsford to Centennial Park Walking and Cycling Streetscape Improvements – Results of Public Consultation

Update: Report adopted by Council – onto the next stages of Funding, Detailed Design & Construction!

Great news! The Centennial Park to Kingsford streetscape and cycleway report was passed by Randwick Council on 28 August 2018.  And the following recommendations adopted:

  1. Council adopt the concept plans for the Kingsford to Centennial Park cycleway and streetscape improvements as the foundation to finalise design development and proceed to construction of the project, when funded; and
  2. Council seek funding from RMS for the implementation of the project.

Stavrinos attempted a motion to investigate the stabling yards as a route, but the motion was lost (very close). Andrews attempted to defer the project until after Sydney Light Rail but he ended up withdrawing it.
So the motion passed with a slight amendment from Matson regarding pulling the resident parking scheme refresh to earlier in the year.
Much commendation was directed towards the hard work from council staff on this project.

Yvonne from BIKEast spoke in support at the council meeting.  Presentation below:

BIKEast Randwick Council Meeting Presentation - Kingsford to Centennial Park Streetscape cover page

Background Information

Randwick Council recently prepared a concept design for Streetscape and Cycleway Improvement Project – Kingsford to Centennial Park improvements, which was received in-principle approval by RMS, and then exhibited to the public for feedback over a five week period between the 25 May and 2 July 2018.

A report that outlines the community consultation activities and outcomes for the concept design proposal is going to council on 28 August. The report addresses the key themes and issues and makes recommendations on the concept design to improve the amenity of the streets along the route.

View the report

BIKEast encourage sending support and thanks to the Randwick Mayor and Councillors

Below is some suggested words for you letter/email to the councillors. Encourage your friends and family to send your messages of support to the councillors to demonstrate to them the community support for this project:

Email the councillors: 

mayor@randwick.nsw.gov.au; christie.hamilton@randwick.nsw.gov.au; brendan.roberts@randwick.nsw.gov.au; tony.bowen@randwick.nsw.gov.au; anthony.andrews@randwick.nsw.gov.au; dylan.parker@randwick.nsw.gov.au; ted.seng@randwick.nsw.gov.au; alexandra.luxford@randwick.nsw.gov.au; Philipa.Veitch@randwick.nsw.gov.au; harry.stavrinos@randwick.nsw.gov.au; danny.said@randwick.nsw.gov.au; Noel.dsouza@randwick.nsw.gov.au; carlos.darocha@randwick.nsw.gov.au; Kathy.Neilson@randwick.nsw.gov.au; murray.matson@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Subject: Support for Kingsford to Centennial Park Walking and Cycling Streetscape Improvements

Suggested message (amend to fit your situation):

Dear Mayor and Councillors,

I am writing to state that I fully support the plans for an improved streetscape, including a protected, separated cycleway along Doncaster Avenue and Houston Road, Kensington, to support active travel in Randwick.

This is a great step by Randwick Council to focus on reducing traffic congestion.  Making it safer and easier for people to walk and cycle, will reduce school traffic congestion along Kensington and weekend traffic congestion around Centennial Park.  It is great to see a project that supports future health (eg. childhood obesity) goals for our area.

More importantly, by providing a facility that ensures safe passage for everyone, it will encourage those who do not cycle now because of perceived risks to consider riding their bikes instead of taking a car for short trips in the area. Best of all, this infrastructure will provide protection and safe facilities to support people walking, cycling or driving, meaning that everyone will benefit. More people walking or riding bikes provides social, environmental and economic benefits for the local community.

Each person who will now be able to walk and ride safely and easily along this route, will result in one less car in traffic, to free up space on our roads for people who need to drive, for example businesses (eg. tradies and deliveries) as well as leaving space for council and community activities.

This route provides a great link for riding to and from the University of NSW or Centennial Park, and links with other facilities to the north – connecting to the city and Bondi Junction or south towards Pagewood and Maroubra.

This is a much-needed link in the eastern Sydney regional bike route network – allowing people to safely ride along what is an already busy – but presently relatively dangerous – cycle route.  This includes accommodation of the substantial future growth of the nearby Green Square / Alexandria precinct.

Quality landscaping along the route will also make the area a much more attractive place to live, work and play.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.  I look forward to a positive outcome at the Council Meeting to proceed with this exciting project.

Posted in BIKEast and tagged , .