The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has, under section 5.19 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the Act) approved the infrastructure application subject to the recommended conditions.
As you may remember, this Sydney Gateway project design showed significant impact to the active transport connection along Alexandra Canal, around the airport.
Summary:
The project was deemed consistent with Commonwealth and State strategic planning and transport documents, including active transport.
The new active transport link provided was acknowledged to offset the loss of the existing Alexandra Canal cycleway.
Impact to active transport links during construction were considered to be addressed by alternative routes and safe access maintained during construction.
However, under Land use, place making and active transport, the recommended conditions/response include:
1. To provide an active transport link between T1 and T2/T3 prior to operation.
2. The existing Coward Street active transport link must be audited and refurbished.
The infrastructure approval and conditions are available at the NSW Planning website - https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/10156
Even though we were unable to save the existing Alexandra Canal cycleway, our voice was heard, and these are strong, specific points to have come through for inclusion in the Notice of Decision.
This was a direct result of such strong community feedback, and reflects the immense effort from everyone who signed and shared this petition, made a submission, and wrote letters to key decision makers.
All of us will continue this ongoing advocacy over the next few years to ensure that these conditions are met and adhered to.
With that said, we will now close this petition off to enable us to move forward with relevant actions as the project progresses. If you wish to stay involved, please reach out to any of the organisations listed on the petition.
Thank you for your ongoing support for safe, healthy, active travel in Sydney!