On Monday 27 Feb, North Sydney Council heard of a letter from Transport for NSW (TfNSW), demanding (by 28th Feb!) Council’s agreement as owner of Bradfield Park to allow consent to their proposal for a linear ramp. Agreement enables TfNSW to lodge a S60 Application to Heritage, to expedite the ramp, rather than go through the State Significant Projects process.

Council’s legal opinion is that Council can so agree. Residents have other advice contrary to Council’s. As a sweetener, TfNSW offer an additional $1m on top of the $1.5m already offered to improve Bradfield Park. Should Council refuse, $2.5 m would be withdrawn.

The matter was not resolved on the 27th, it was put off until the 28th, when an Extraordinary Meeting of Council accepted TfNSW’s demand. A Rescission motion was lodged.

The Rescission motion was heard on 1st March. It was lost. Therefore, Council’s decision of 27th Feb stands. TfNSW can proceed.

While all this is going on, Felicity Wilson, MP for North Shore, wrote to Minister Stokes requesting a pause until after the state election on 25th March. The Minister replied to Ms Wilson and also wrote to North Sydney Council’s Mayor Baker, advising there would be no decision by NSW Heritage or Planning for any ramp before the election and that TfNSW still have to obtain NSW Heritage Council permission. This does not sit very well with the community who have been witnessing TfNSW preliminary exploratory works in Bradfield Park North.

We can only continue with our lobbying efforts, petition signing, exploring the land ownership issue as well as engaging with the Federal Environment Minister who must be consulted, as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its approaches are items of national significance.

Thank you for your continued interest and support. Please keep spreading the word. Hope you like the picture of the Bradfield Park Heritage Walk at night. This would be lost with a linear ramp - but saved with the Community's fold back ramp.