UPDATE
Transport for NSW is willing to consider feedback on the proposed cycle-walk path between Sutherland and Cronulla even though the formal consultation period is over.
Public submissions on the route of what is officially known as the Sutherland Cronulla Active Transport Link closed at 5pm on Friday February 12.
However, a spokeswoman said Transport for NSW was “happy to accommodate individual circumstances for a number of residents who have requested an extension”.
“Although the formal consultation period is now closed, Transport for NSW remains keen to hear from all interested community members as the project progresses,” she said.
“The community can contact the project team with their ideas or questions by calling the project infoline, 1800 684 490 or emailing projects@transport.nsw.gov.au”
EARLIER
Planning and environment groups are urging the state government to change the route of the proposed cycle-walk path between Sutherland and Cronulla.
Sutherland Shire Environment Centre and Miranda Precinct Committee strongly support the path in concept.
However, they said they were disappointed the proposed design did not make full use of the rail corridor and, instead, diverted alongside busy roads including President Avenue and the Kingsway.
They urged people to submit comments on an online form at: ssec.org.au/atl
Public submissions on the route of what is officially known as the Sutherland Cronulla Active Transport Link closes at 5pm on Friday February 12.
The groups, who surveyed the route with cyclists and a transport engineer, suggested greater use of the rail corridor and other changes “to make the path safer and more direct for cyclists and pedestrians”.
Spokeswoman Tassia Kolesnikow said they were “dismayed” the proposed path would be along President Ave between Sutherland and Kirrawee, instead of down Flora Street.
“Flora Street is direct, it follows the ridge line and already has traffic lights for a safe bike crossing at Acacia Road,” she said.
Dr Kolesnikow said Sutherland Shire Council planning documents recommended development of Flora St as an active transport link from Sutherland to Kirrawee as population density increased.
"If Sutherland Shire is to have a major centre, it needs to see Sutherland and Kirrawee as essentially the one place,” a report by council officers said.
“The two areas are only one kilometre apart, and it is an easy level walk between them along Flora Street.
“Flora Street could become a major spine where residents walk between the attractions of each centre."
Comments that have already been made include: “So excited I can't wait to be able to use this"; “I would like to ride my bike to Cronulla then Kurnell, but refuse to ride our crowded roads”; "I really would like this to be built so I don't have to have my parents drive me everywhere!"
Points in the online form that people can tick if they agree include:
- Follow the rail corridor wherever possible to remove dangerous driveway and road crossings as well as deviations, hills and sections on busy President Avenue and the Kingsway.
- Where the rail corridor is too narrow for both cyclists and pedestrians, put the bike path in the corridor and keep pedestrians on existing but improved footpath.
- Surface the concrete bike path with asphalt to avoid jolting cyclists over concrete joints.
- Install signage with distances to popular locations (e.g. Hazelhurst gallery, Sutherland Hospital, TAFE, schools, shops).
- Install bubblers and taps with filtered water every few kilometres.
Do you think changes should be made to the route?