Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link a step closer

Sutherland Shire Council last night gave “in principle” support to the Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link (SCTAL).

The council’s support will assist Transport for NSW’s business case for the transport link which will be presented to the NSW Government for consideration.

The project is expected to be funded by Transport for NSW and the council, subject to council agreement.

The council will now prepare its own business case which will look at potential funding of the project including using Section 94 Open Space contributions.

Support for the transport link extends back more than a decade when, during the Sutherland Cronulla rail duplication in 2006, 3000 shire residents petitioned the NSW Government to develop a shared off-road cycling-pedestrian path along the rail corridor.

The state government, the then RTA (RMS), Transport Infrastructure and Development Corporation and the council committed funding of $2million for the detailed planning and design of the transport link.

“Construction of the Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link is considered a unique opportunity  to development a major piece of transport infrastructure for the shire that has significant long term benefits for the community, economy and environment,” according to Sutherland Shire Council’s report.

“The active transport link between Sutherland and Cronulla will provide a vital east-west link that strategically will greatly improve links to Bankstown and the utilisation of existing cycleway infrastructure between Padstow, Menai and Sutherland.”

It could also serve as a catalyst to improve cycling and pedestrian links to a number of major centres including Sydney CBD, Sydney Airport, Botany BAy, Sydney Olympic Park and Kurnell.

Transport for NSW have requested that the cost estimate provided remain confidential until the route options and business case are developed and finalised.