Revised South Coogee to Kingsford cycleway plan saves 27 mature trees

Council amends design following community feedback
27 mature trees saved
60 new trees to be planted
16 trees to be removed (of these just five are over five metres tall)
Council to consider revised plan at 25 June 2019 Council meeting

Twenty-seven (27) significant trees including large eucalyptus trees on Avoca St, Randwick will be saved due to a redesign of a proposed cycleway connecting South Coogee and Kingsford, Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson announced today (Tuesday 18 June 2019).

The 1.9km cycleway is part of Randwick Council’s bicycle strategy to improve walking and cycling options along Bundock St, Avoca St and Sturt St and to connect with the new light rail terminus and other bike paths to the UNSW, Centennial Park and the City CBD.

The revised concept plan will be considered by Council at its meeting on 25 June 2019. The plan proposes new areas of shared path to save 27 significant trees. Just 16 trees would need to be removed and of these only five are over five metres in height. Sixty (60) new trees wouldbe planted along the route as part of the streetscape improvements.

Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said Council has listened to the community and amended the design accordingly.

“This is a real win for the community,” Mayor Neilson said.

“When we consulted with the community in late 2018, they told us very strongly that retaining trees is the most important issue.

“We received more than 800 submissions with 70% of respondents concerned about tree loss, 19% concerned about car parking, 13% concerned about boat/trailer parking and 12% keen to see safety improved for people riding bikes.

“We’ve listened to the community and made changes. I’m really pleased staff have been able to amend the design in consultation with RMS to respond to the community feedback and save 27 mature trees previously proposed for removal,” Mayor Neilson said.

“To be expanding our tree canopy with 60 new trees is a great step forward. We can provide safer transport options for people riding bikes and preserve and enhance our urban tree canopy at the same time – the two are not irreconcilable outcomes,” Mayor Neilson said.

Information about the revised concept plan is being distributed to local residents this week and an interactive tree map is available for viewing on the Council’s website.

“Many cities in Australia and around the world are building cycleways as a safe, practical and convenient alternative to car use,” Mayor Neilson said.

“The evidence shows that if you separate people riding bikes from moving traffic more people will choose to ride for short trips. This is good for everybody and helps reduce congestion on the road network,” Mayor Neilson said.

The project provides a key east-west connection with light rail as well as linking to local primary and high schools.

Work will include installing:

new pathways and pedestrian crossings;
new separated cycleway;
traffic lights at the Bundock/Avoca/Sturt intersections
streetscape enhancements and upgrades, including new tree planting, improved street and pedestrian lighting and traffic safety measures; and
safer intersections and calmer traffic through implementation of clear markings and separation.

The South Coogee to Kingsford streetscape improvement project is a joint project with the Roads and

Maritime Services. Subject to endorsement by Council, additional funding would need to be applied for and received from the RMS for the project to proceed to construction.

More information:

Media enquiries:

Chelsea Hunter – 0419 694 983 or chelsea.hunter@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Joshua Hay – 0402 351 459 or joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au

This consultation has concluded. Council approved the project at its 25 June 2019 meeting. You can view a summary of the community consultation and plans in the Information Booklet or view the full Revised Concept Plans.