Light Rail to Randwick

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This consultation has concluded. This website was operational from 2011 to 2014 as a means to consult the community and show the benefits of light rail in Randwick City. The NSW Government will start construction on the CBD and South East Light Rail project after April 2015. For updates on construction refer to the Sydney Light Rail website: http://www.sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/latest/current-works  

Randwick City Council continues to consult the local community about ways to reduce the impact of the construction of light rail in Randwick City. Future consultations will be conducted through our special consultation websitewww.yoursayrandwick.com.au.

    Light rail to Randwick is happening!

    Randwick City Council has worked hard to bring light rail to Randwick. The State Government has given formal planning approval for the project to commence in mid 2015 and be completed in 2019 or 2020. (Read the Minister's media release 4 June 2014).

    Light rail will bring considerable benefits and create more than 500 construction jobs and support the growth of more than 4,000 jobs in education, health and research in Randwick City. Its construction will deliver a new, modern transport solution to service 42,000 UNSW students, 13,200 hospital and uni workers, 11,000 resident commuters, 7,000 TAFE students, 400,000 race-goers and millions more people who go to concerts, events and sporting matches at the sporting stadiums and Centennial Parklands.

    We welcome light rail, but it will have a big impact on Randwick City. Many parking spaces will be lost, particularly around Anzac Parade and Kingsford and it will result in traffic changes and disruption.

    To reduce the impact of light rail, Randwick Council released a light rail support plan on 17 April 2014 and this plan was endorsed by Council at its meeting on 29 April 2014. You can read more about the $68M support plan in our news section and download the supporting documents in the library.

    COMMUNITY LIGHT RAIL SUPPORT PLAN COMMITTEE

    Expressions of interest have now closed. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in being part of the Committee. Randwick Council will be in touch in the near future.

    Randwick City Council is calling for expressions of interest from residents and business representatives to be part of our Community Light Rail Support Plan Commitee to provide feedback on the implementation of Council's light rail support plan. To register your interest in becoming involved, please fill out the Expression of Interest form. Closing Date: 5pm, Tuesday 27 May 2014

    HAVE YOUR SAY - KINGSFORD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK

    This survey is now closed. We wanted to know what you think about Council’s plans to acquire land on Rainbow Street in Kingsford next to the Kingsford 9-ways roundabout to create a multi-storey car park. Is car parking important to you and would this help local businesses and residents affected by light rail?

    A copy of the report on this consultation survey is now in the document library.



    Light rail to Randwick is happening!

    Randwick City Council has worked hard to bring light rail to Randwick. The State Government has given formal planning approval for the project to commence in mid 2015 and be completed in 2019 or 2020. (Read the Minister's media release 4 June 2014).

    Light rail will bring considerable benefits and create more than 500 construction jobs and support the growth of more than 4,000 jobs in education, health and research in Randwick City. Its construction will deliver a new, modern transport solution to service 42,000 UNSW students, 13,200 hospital and uni workers, 11,000 resident commuters, 7,000 TAFE students, 400,000 race-goers and millions more people who go to concerts, events and sporting matches at the sporting stadiums and Centennial Parklands.

    We welcome light rail, but it will have a big impact on Randwick City. Many parking spaces will be lost, particularly around Anzac Parade and Kingsford and it will result in traffic changes and disruption.

    To reduce the impact of light rail, Randwick Council released a light rail support plan on 17 April 2014 and this plan was endorsed by Council at its meeting on 29 April 2014. You can read more about the $68M support plan in our news section and download the supporting documents in the library.

    COMMUNITY LIGHT RAIL SUPPORT PLAN COMMITTEE

    Expressions of interest have now closed. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in being part of the Committee. Randwick Council will be in touch in the near future.

    Randwick City Council is calling for expressions of interest from residents and business representatives to be part of our Community Light Rail Support Plan Commitee to provide feedback on the implementation of Council's light rail support plan. To register your interest in becoming involved, please fill out the Expression of Interest form. Closing Date: 5pm, Tuesday 27 May 2014

    HAVE YOUR SAY - KINGSFORD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK

    This survey is now closed. We wanted to know what you think about Council’s plans to acquire land on Rainbow Street in Kingsford next to the Kingsford 9-ways roundabout to create a multi-storey car park. Is car parking important to you and would this help local businesses and residents affected by light rail?

    A copy of the report on this consultation survey is now in the document library.



    This consultation has concluded. This website was operational from 2011 to 2014 as a means to consult the community and show the benefits of light rail in Randwick City. The NSW Government will start construction on the CBD and South East Light Rail project after April 2015. For updates on construction refer to the Sydney Light Rail website: http://www.sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/latest/current-works  

    Randwick City Council continues to consult the local community about ways to reduce the impact of the construction of light rail in Randwick City. Future consultations will be conducted through our special consultation websitewww.yoursayrandwick.com.au.

      • Light Rail Support Committee membership announced

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        COMMUNITY LIGHT RAIL SUPPORT PLAN COMMITTEE

        Randwick City Council has today (6 August 2014) announced the members of Council's newly established Community Light Rail Support Plan Committee.

        The Committee will provide an additional avenue of consultation and feedback to Council over the next five years on its Light Rail Support Plan.

        The light rail support plan proposes allocating $68M in future draft budgets, subject to detailed community consultation, to build a multi-storey car park in Kingsford, claw back street parking removed because of the light rail (such as along Anzac Parade), upgrade drainage, create new urban plazas and develop better cycleway connections.

        Council will also be conducting wider consultation with all affected residents, businesses and ratepayers and use our established consultation methods such as local Precincts, www.yoursayrandwick.com.au and Council's social media channels.

        The committee will meet this month to establish its terms of reference, a meeting schedule and clarify the role of the group.

        Members of the Light Rail Support Plan Committee are:

        Randwick Council representative - General Manager or delegate

        Souths Juniors representative - Mr Geoff Knight, CEO Souths Juniors

        Cycling industry representative - Mr Jim Hope, Bike East

        Resident representative - Mr Mark Haldane

        Resident representative - Ms Paulette Barahona

        Resident representative - Ms Lily Liu

        Resident representative - Mr Terry Lustig

        Resident representative - Mr Paul Harapin

        Business representative - Mr Peter Schick, President Kingsford Chamber of Commerce

        Business representative - Ms Carmel Ellis-Gulli, College Director Randwick TAFE

        Business representative - Mr Shane Vincent, Belle Property Randwick


      • Randwick Council resolution on Light Rail Development Agreement

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        RANDWICK COUNCIL ORDINARY MEETING 24 JUNE 2014

        RESOLUTION: (Mayor, Cr Nash) that:

        1.  Council supports the light rail project and the economic and employment benefits it will bring to our local area;

        2.  Council rejects the currently proposed draft Development Agreement reported under cover of GM Report 20/14;

        3.  Council continue to advocate publicly its position on the following concerns:

        -  the High-Cross Park interchange (this issue is not negotiable);

        -  the proposed Randwick Stabling Facility (at 66a Doncaster Avenue) and identified future community centre;

        -  undergrounding of Power along Anzac Parade in line with the Urban Design objectives of the proposal;

        -  loss of parking, particularly arising from the location of the Kingsford light-rail bus interchange. In lieu of compensation for the loss of parking in Kingsford and Kensington, that the Kingsford Markets Site be transferred to council at no cost;

        -  the status of Council's Urban Design Guidelines;

        -  the Prince of Wales Hospital stop;

        -  clawing back 100-120 parking spaces on Anzac Parade (from Alison Road to Darling Street);

        -  concern in relation to tree losses and the requirement for an audit of the trees scheduled for removal in the Randwick City Council area due to light rail, with a report back to Councillors on this matter before the matter is next debated

        -  traffic modeling be brought forward to demonstration the local traffic impacts at the following areas;

        -   Kingsford and Kensington (along and either side of Anzac Parade)

        -   Randwick (at Wansey Road, High Street, Botany Street and the interconnecting streets)

        -  Randwick (at Avoca Street, Belmore Road, Coogee Bay Road, Cuthill Street and Perouse Road;

        -  TfNSW needs to bring forward, and make public, its proposal for the bus changes resulting from the implementation project;

        4.  the Councillors nominate areas of concern or interest by sending wording for any amendments for inclusion in the proposed draft Development Agreement to the General Manager by next Tuesday (1 July 2014);

        5.  Council defers its consideration of GM Report 20/14 to allow a Councillors’ Briefing to be held on Tuesday 1 July 2014.


      • MEDIA RELEASE: TRANSFORMING SYDNEY: PLANNING APPROVAL GRANTED FOR $1.6B CBD AND SOUTH EAST LIGHT RAIL

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        Gladys Berejiklian MP
        Minister for Transport

        MEDIA RELEASE
        Wednesday 4 June 2014

        TRANSFORMING SYDNEY: PLANNING APPROVAL GRANTED FOR $1.6B CBD AND SOUTH EAST LIGHT RAIL 

        Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the green light had been given for the $1.6 billion new CBD and South East Light Rail project.

        The CBD and South East Light Rail will link Circular Quay and Central, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.

        It extends from Circular Quay along George Street to Central Station and Moore Park, then to Kingsford via Anzac Parade and Randwick via Alison Road and High Street.

        “This is a priority project for the NSW Government that will transform Sydney, deliver over $4 billion worth of economic benefits and create 10,000 jobs for NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.

        “I am delighted the project has received formal planning approval. The NSW Government is getting on with the job of building new infrastructure that will improve services for transport customers, increase productivity and support economic growth.

        “Light rail will bring major benefits for Sydneysiders including significantly improved access to modern and reliable public transport, access to sporting, entertainment, health, and education precincts, a boost to local businesses, and we have no doubt it will also result in urban renewal and economic development.”

        Ms Berejiklian said approval of the CBD and South East Light Rail includes conditions to address key impacts during construction and operation of the new light rail system.

        “We recognise that there are challenges ahead, and delivering a project of this scale in a busy urban environment will result in impacts to communities and businesses during construction.

        “We have listened to the community and these conditions will ensure that during construction and operation of the CBD and South East Light Rail, potential environmental, noise and traffic impacts are managed well.

        “I would like to thank the community, businesses, and our key project partners for their contributions and continued support on the CBD and South East Light Rail project and for the feedback provided.”

        Ms Berejiklian said hundreds of community members and stakeholders attended information sessions held in their neighbourhood in recent months, taking the opportunity to find out more about light rail. 

        There were over 480 submissions made to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

        Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed throughout delivery of the project through project updates, letter box drops, the website, and notices in local newspapers.
        Local business and community forums are also being established in each precinct along the light rail route.

        The main contract to design, build, operate and maintain the new system is expected to be awarded as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) by early 2015 with major construction commencing soon after.

        The service is expected to be open and operational in 2019 or 2020.

        Further details on Sydney Light Rail are available at www.sydneylightrail.com.au
        The EIS Submissions Report is available at www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au

        Project fast facts
        • The CBD and South East Light Rail will link Circular Quay and Central, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick
        • The project also includes the development of a pedestrian zone along George Street, between Hunter and Bathurst Streets
        • Includes 20 light rail stops along the 12 kilometre route
        • High frequency, ‘turn up and go’ services every two to three minutes during peak periods in the CBD and every five to six minutes between Moore Park and the Randwick and Kingsford branches
        • Major interchanges with ferry, heavy rail and bus services
        • A fleet of electric-powered Light Rail Vehicles’s (LRVs), with air conditioning and accessible low-floor design
        • A highly reliable service with the capability to carry up to 9000 passengers per hour in each direction
        • Public domain improvements including possible new public spaces, paving, trees, lighting and street furniture
        • A stabling facility in Randwick and a maintenance depot in Rozelle

      • Southern Courier: Light rail to claim 750 parking spaces

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        Light rail to claim 750 parking spaces

        • SOUTHERN COURIER
        • MAY 20, 2014 12:00AM

        No-PARKING signs are set to dominate Anzac Pde, with the $1.6 billion light rail line to wipe-out 458 spaces along the busy Kingsford - Kensington strip.

        The heaviest loss will be at Kingsford, with 230 parking spaces to be lost near The Juniors club alone to accommodate the CBD to South East Light Rail project. A lifeline for the business precinct could be a $30.5 million plan to buy land and construct a multistorey carpark on the corner of Rainbow St and Anzac Pd

        N0 parking zones will hit Anzac Pde under the light rail plan. Source: Supplied

        LIGHT RAIL PARKING RESCUE PLAN

        With the $1.6 billion light rail to Randwick set to wipe out 750 parking spaces, the spotlight is now on how to integrate this massive infrastructure project into the community without causing major damage to the existing fabric.

        Angle parking and off- peak parking plans are now under investigation but the most ambitious idea is for a $30.5 million multistorey, timed carpark near the nine-ways intersection at Kingsford, where 458 spaces will be lost.

        The council owns part of the site on the corner of Rainbow St and Anzac Pde, where The Rotary Markets are now held every Sunday.

        The Rotary Markets at Kingsford, Sydney. Picture: Craig Wilson

        The Rotary Markets at Kingsford, Sydney. Picture: Craig Wilson Source: News Corp Australia

        But it would need to buy the rest (66 per cent) from Transport for NSW to build the multistorey carpark.

        “The current Rainbow St site is zoned for eight storeys,” a council spokesman said.

        “While there are numerous combinations of uses, a very preliminary option could be for two levels below- ground car parking, a supermarket at ground level, then two levels of car parking, with the remainder to be commercial.”

        While the final shape and cost structure would be determined by the full council, the spokesman said the current proposal did not rely on carpark users being charged a fee.

        The council is now seeking community input on the proposal to acquire the site for a carpark.

        More than 200 people have completed the council survey already, with 67 per cent giving the nod to the plan.

        Also, 58 per cent gauged parking in the Kingsford area now as very difficult or somewhat difficult.

        Parking in Kingsford is already difficult according to a council survey

        Parking in Kingsford is already difficult according to a council survey Source: News Corp Australia

        HAVE YOUR SAY

        Randwick Council is seeking your views about whether it should consider acquiring land on Rainbow St, Kingsford, near the Kingsford roundabout for a multistorey carpark. Get online and visit lightrailtorandwick.com.au to have your say.


        You need to be signed in to add your comment.

      • Media release: COUNCIL ENDORSES $68 MILLION LIGHT RAIL SUPPORT PLAN

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        COUNCIL ENDORSES $68 MILLION LIGHT RAIL SUPPORT PLAN

        Media release - Randwick City Council

        Thursday 1 May 2014

        A Randwick City Council support plan to help local residents and businesses affected by the proposed introduction of light rail was endorsed at a meeting of Council on Tuesday 29 April 2014.

        The light rail support plan proposes allocating $68M in future draft budgets, subject to detailed community consultation, to build a multi-storey car park in Kingsford, claw back street parking removed because of the light rail (such as along Anzac Parade), upgrade drainage, create new urban plazas and develop better cycleway connections.

        The NSW Government is expected to start work later this year on the construction of the $1.6B project to build light rail from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford.

        Its construction will deliver a new, modern transport solution to service 42,000 UNSW students, 13,200 hospital and uni workers, 11,000 resident commuters, 7,000 TAFE students, 400,000 race-goers and millions more people who go to concerts, events and sporting matches at the sporting stadiums and Centennial Parklands.

        However its construction will also result in the loss of parking, removal of trees and changes to traffic flow around Anzac Parade, Alison Road and High Street in Randwick.

        Under Transport for NSW’s current proposal, about 687 parking spaces will be lost along the route, including parking on Anzac Parade, and about 280 trees could be removed in the Randwick Local Government Area.

        The changes will affect the suburbs of Randwick, Kingsford and Kensington, where 60 per cent of the tree loss and 80 per cent of the parking loss will occur. It is estimated that about 230 parking spaces will be lost at Kingsford near Souths Juniors Leagues Club.

        Randwick Mayor Scott Nash said Council’s light rail support plan addresses these impacts and will ensure Randwick City gets the most out of the new transport system.

        "We welcome the introduction of light rail in Randwick City and commend the Government on funding this project. Our plan will support light rail and make sure Randwick City gets the most out of this once in a generation opportunity to revitalise our City.

        “I think this is a great project.  Getting light rail is a nine out of ten.  Our plan will help make this project a ten out of ten”, Mayor Nash said.

        Randwick City Council’s five-year support plan proposes to:

        • create hundreds of new onstreet parking spaces (to reclaim those lost by the introduction of light rail) by changing parallel parking to angle parking in local streets near Anzac Parade;
        • purchase land and construct a multi-storey car park at Kingsford 9-ways roundabout; 
        • build new public plazas and close streets at Waratah Ave/Belmore Rd, Randwick; and Meeks St/Anzac Pde, Kingsford;  upgrade stormwater drainage; 
        • build east-west cycleways that connect with light rail stops; 
        • build bicycle lockers and racks near light rail stops; and
        • undertake traffic calming works in residential streets.

        “Light rail will bring considerable benefits to our area. It will create between 500 and 700 jobs as a direct result of construction, and it will support the growth of more than 4,000 jobs in education, health and research in Randwick City,” Mayor Nash said.

        “But with the benefits also come many challenges and inevitable disruption to residents and businesses. Our plan is to ensure we address these as much as possible.

        “I want everyone in Randwick City to know that Council is well aware of the concerns and that we are working hard on developing the right solutions. Although this is a State Government project, not a Council project, we’re working with all stakeholders to get the best outcome we can for our City,” Mayor Nash said.

        At its meeting last night Tuesday 29 April 2014, Council also resolved to conduct a detailed community consultation program each year for the next five years about different components of the light rail support plan.

        Council will also establish a Community Light Rail Support Plan Committee comprised of residents, businesses and community groups to give feedback to Council on the implementation of the support plan.

        “The community will be fully involved and fully consulted over the next few years, as we plan for the introduction of light rail.  Randwick City Council is an award-winning Council because of its well known, genuine commitment to community consultation before we make major decisions.

        We’ll be talking and meeting with local businesses and residents, to get their ideas on how we can help make light rail a success in our City.  I’m looking forward to working constructively with everyone to get the best results”, Mayor Nash said.

        More information:

        Randwick City Council
        1300 722 542
        council@randwick.nsw.gov.au


      • Media release: Randwick Council set to invest $68M in light rail

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        RANDWICK COUNCIL SET TO INVEST $68 MILLION IN LIGHT RAIL

        Media release - Randwick City Council

        Thursday 17 April 2014

        Randwick City Council has today, Thursday 17 April 2014, released a draft light rail support plan in response to the NSW Government’s CBD and South East Light Rail project which proposes to spend $68 million over five years to increase parking and support the introduction of light rail in Randwick City.

        The draft support plan will be considered by Councillors at a Council Meeting on Tuesday 29 April 2014.

        Contained within the plan are a series of recommendations, design revisions and detailed technical drawings in response to the Government's $1.6B light rail project which will run from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford.

        Mayor Scott Nash said the support plan is about ensuring Randwick City gets the most out of the new transport system.

        "We welcome the introduction of light rail in Randwick City and commend the Government on their vision. Our draft plan is about supporting light rail and making sure Randwick City gets the most out of this once in a generation opportunity to revitalise our City," Mayor Nash said.

        Council is proposing to allocate $68M over five years to:

        • create hundreds of new onstreet parking spaces (to reclaim those lost by the introduction of light rail) by changing parallel parking to angle parking in local streets near Anzac Parade;
        • purchase land and construct a multi-storey car park at Kingsford 9-ways roundabout;
        • build new public plazas and close streets at Waratah Ave/Belmore Rd, Randwick; and Meeks St/Anzac Pde, Kingsford;
        • upgrade stormwater drainage;
        • build east-west cycleways that connect with light rail stops;
        • build bicycle lockers and racks near light rail stops; and
        • undertake traffic calming works in residential streets.

        Council is continuing to work with Transport for NSW over the details of the proposed light rail lines to Kingsford and Randwick. Some of the issues that Council considers should be included in any Development Agreement with Transport for NSW are:

        • inclusion of Council’s Light Rail Urban Design Guidelines;
        • pedestrianisation of High Street between Wansey Road and Botany Street.
        • relocating the light rail stabling facility;
        • extending light rail to Maroubra Junction;
        • provision of a table of minimum footpath widths along Anzac Parade;
        • undergrounding power lines along Anzac Parade;
        • swapping the construction compound site from the Rainbow Street site to Anzac Parade south of Sturt Street to provide for an additional 50 car parking spaces for the Kingsford Town Centre and Souths Juniors;
        • maintaining some car parking on Anzac Parade where configuration allows;
        • developing an agreed process to assess trees for retention along the alignment (Wansey Road), instead of leaving it to the discretion of the PPP;
        • provision of a business liaison officer by TfNSW for our town centres;
        • development of a business continuity plan in liaison with Council and Chambers of Commerce; and 
        • input into naming rights of light rail stations.

        Mayor Scott Nash said:

        “Light rail will bring considerable benefits to our area. It will create between 500 and 700 jobs as a direct result of construction, and it will support the growth of more than 4,000 jobs in education health and research in Randwick City,” Mayor Nash said.

        “But with the benefits also come many challenges and inevitable disruption to residents and businesses. Our plan is to ensure we address these as much as possible.

        “I want everyone in Randwick City to know that Council is well aware of their concerns and that we are working hard on developing the right solutions. Although this is a State Government project, not a Council project, we’re working with all stakeholders to get the best outcome we can for our City,” Mayor Nash said.

        The $68 million light rail support plan will be discussed by Councillors at this month’s public Council meeting on Tuesday 29 April 2014 at Randwick Town Hall starting at 6pm.

        DOCUMENT DOWNLOADS

        More information
        1300 722 542 council@randwick.nsw.gov.au
        www.lightrailtorandwick.com.au


        ENDS
        Media enquiries:

        Emma Shanks - 0408 740 476 or emma.shanks@randwick.nsw.gov.au
        Joshua Hay - 0402 351 459 or Joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au

         

         


      • Southern Courier: Transport for NSW says design of light rail platforms is safe for pedestrians

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        Light rail.

        Light rail. Source: News Corp Australia

        Maroubra resident Sam Damianos fears the CBD and South East Light Rail (CSELR) project design could jeopardise the safety of pedestrians.

        The project design includes the platform being built in the middle with the light rail tracks constructed on the outside.

        Mr Damianos, the Maroubra Central Precinct chairman, said the design was flawed and was an accident waiting to happen.

        He predicted pedestrians in a hurry would run across road traffic and light rail tracks to get to the platform.

        “That’s my concern,’’ Mr Damianos said. “How do you expect people to cross the road?

        “There’s going to be increased pedestrian activity and people are human and they will still have a habit of running across the road.

        “People will still make silly mistakes and accidents are going to happen.’’

        Light Rail.

        Light Rail. Source: News Corp Australia

        Mr Damianos submitted his concerns to the NSW Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Transport for NSW.

        Transport for NSW told him they would educate pedestrians through advertising on how to safely cross the roads and tracks to the platform.

        But Mr Damianos said a design change was needed.

        “How many people have to die before they take it seriously?’’ he said.

        A Transport NSW spokeswoman said the light rail platforms would comply is road and pedestrian safety requirements.

        “The CBD and South East Light Rail has been designed with 20 stops along the 12 km route,’’ the spokeswoman said.

        “The design of each stop is either side or centre platforms, depending on local constraints.

        “Every stop and platform along the alignment will comply with all relevant road and pedestrian safety requirements and feature appropriate signage, wayfinding and traffic signalling.

        “The UNSW Anzac Parade stop will feature signalised crossings at the southern end of the platform to provide safe access across Anzac Parade.

        “An additional signalised crossing at the northern end of the platform is also being considered in consultation with Roads and Maritime Services.”

        THE PROJECT

        ■The CBD and South East Light Rail project will cost $1.6 billion

        ■Work on the project is expected to commence in April 2015

        ■ It is expected to take five or six years to complete

        ■From mid-2015, the successful tenderer will also operate the Central to Lilyfield light rail line


      • Minister for Transport media release: Improved CBD and South East Light Rail project design after community feedback

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        Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced improvements to the CBD and South East Light Rail project as a result of community consultation, including changes to light rail stops in Randwick and a new pedestrian bridge adjacent to schools at Moore Park.

        “The new light rail is a critical project for NSW that will improve public transport in Sydney, address congestion and provide future economic growth,” Ms Berejiklian said.

        “We have listened to the community and made a number of significant improvements to the light rail project thanks to feedback we received as part of the formal EIS process.

        “As a result of the community feedback, the Randwick interchange has been redesigned to retain three times more parkland at High Cross Park than previously proposed.

        “This will make more green space available for local residents and ensure the integrity of the Randwick District War Memorial is maintained.”

        The Moore Park light rail stop will be moved further south and will incorporate a brand new footbridge over Anzac Parade.

        “The new bridge is a win for pedestrians and will improve safety for the students of Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls High School accessing the Moore Park light rail stop,” Ms Berejiklian said.

        “We will also relocate two light rail stops from Wansey Road to Alison Road and High Street and keep a significant amount of existing on-street parking for local residents.

        “The NSW Government has undertaken significant community and stakeholder consultation to better understand the needs of the community and our customers as light rail moves towards construction and future operation.”

        Thousands of community members and stakeholders attended information sessions held in their neighbourhood during the EIS exhibition period in 2013, and more than 480 submissions were received.

        “I am pleased that the feedback we received from the community has made such a positive difference to this project,” Ms Berejiklian said.

        Feedback from the public has been carefully considered and issues raised have been responded to in an EIS Submissions Report that will now be reviewed by Planning and Infrastructure before a decision is made regarding planning approval in the coming months.

        Subject to planning approval, construction on the CBD and South East Light Rail will begin this year and will take five to six years to complete.

        The EIS Submissions Report is available at www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au and more information on the project is available atwww.sydneylightrail.com.au.


      • Premier announces light rail to be built starting 2014

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        Barry O’Farrell MP
        Premier of NSW
        MEDIA RELEASE
        Thursday 13 December 2012

        BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: LIGHT RAIL TO REDUCE CONGESTION AND REVITALISE SYDNEY

        Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced light rail would be built through the Sydney CBD to Randwick and Kingsford to reduce congestion and revitalise the city.

        The estimated $1.6 billion 12 kilometre light rail project will link Circular Quay and Central via George Street, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.

        Light rail will be built in parallel with the implementation of a redesigned bus network to significantly reduce the number of buses clogging the CBD during the peak.


        Barry O’Farrell MP
        Premier of NSW
        MEDIA RELEASE

        Thursday 13 December 2012

        BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE:
        LIGHT RAIL TO REDUCE CONGESTION AND REVITALISE SYDNEY

        Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced light rail would be built through the Sydney CBD to Randwick and Kingsford to reduce congestion and revitalise the city.

        The estimated $1.6 billion 12 kilometre light rail project will link Circular Quay and Central via George Street, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.

        Light rail will be built in parallel with the implementation of a redesigned bus network to significantly reduce the number of buses clogging the CBD during the peak.

        Around 40 per cent of George Street will be pedestrianised, between Bathurst Street and Hunter Street, for light rail – meaning 60 per cent of George Street will still be accessible to private vehicles.

        “This is a once-in-a-generation project to revitalise the centre of Sydney by reducing congestion and offering a fast, attractive public transport option to key locations,” Mr O’Farrell said.

        “The NSW Government is getting on with the job of building for the future.”

        Ms Berejiklian said light rail forms part of an integrated transport solution to fix congestion in the CBD which includes a redesigned bus network and train improvements outlined in Sydney’s Rail Future.

        “Congestion on roads in the Sydney CBD and surrounding areas will only get worse as the number of jobs in the city grows and the population increases – we have to act and in a significant way,” Ms Berejiklian said.

        “With the introduction of light rail and the redesigned bus network announced today, we will be able to significantly reduce the number of buses clogging the city’s streets and provide fast and reliable links for people to key destinations like the Prince of Wales Hospital, University of NSW, SCG, Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Central and Circular Quay.”

        Bus improvements to be rolled out include improved bus interchanges in the city, more cross-city Metro style routes, reconfigured bus stops and higher priority for buses to move people through the city faster.

        Key benefits of light rail and the redesigned bus network include:
        -A 97 per cent reliability rate for light rail, compared with buses in the CBD which currently only arrive within two minutes of the timetable 19 to 34 per cent of the time;
        -Journey times of 24 minutes to travel from Kingsford or Randwick to Central and 15 minutes from Central to Circular Quay. It can take buses more than 30 minutes to travel from Central to Circular Quay in the peak today;
        -A reduction per hour of more than 220 buses entering the CBD in the morning peak, benefiting customers who travel from the North, North-West and West on buses and are currently delayed due to congestion;
        -The introduction of brand new light rail vehicles that can carry up to 300 people each, compared with 60 people on a standard bus;
        -Light rail can carry 9,000 people per hour in each direction;
        -The potential to join two light rail vehicles for special events at Moore Park to move up to 18,000 people per hour in each direction.

        Customers will be able to use their Opal card on light rail, meaning a seamless transfer from other modes.

        The NSW Government will construct light rail down George Street and to the south east as a single project to speed up delivery of this crucial infrastructure and save significant costs.

        Detailed work will now be undertaken to determine the final timetable for construction, which early analysis suggests will take five or six years. Work is expected to begin in 2014. It will be funded from the transport budget, third party contributions and a PPP arrangement, subject to testing the business case.

        All east-west roads in the city will remain open and small delivery trucks and property owners will retain access to the pedestrianised zone on George Street at all times. The Government will examine how to best provide access for taxis and hire cars at night to support the night time economy.

        “Building the spine of a new network through a major city like Sydney will obviously cause significant disruption, but through the planning process we’ll be working closely with retailers, businesses, councils and customers to manage these impacts,” Ms Berejiklian said.

        “The NSW Government is committed to investing in quality infrastructure and taking action that will give the people of Sydney the world class, reliable public transport system they deserve.”

        Work continues on the 5.6 kilometre Inner West Light Rail Extension from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, with construction on track to be completed in 2014. The current light rail line is about 7km.

        The full NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan and Sydney’s Light Rail Future is available at www.transportmasterplan.nsw.gov.au

        MEDIA: Mark Tobin (Premier) 9228 5239
        Brett Cox (Minister Berejiklian) 0409 123 383

      • Randwick Mayor welcomes plans for light rail extension to UNSW

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        MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                                                                              

        3 October 2012 

        Randwick Mayor Tony Bowen has welcomed today’s announcement from Infrastructure NSW of a $500 million extension of Sydney’s light rail network from Central to the Moore Park precinct and University of NSW.

        “Randwick City Council has supported the return of light rail to the eastern suburbs for many years and it’s pleasing to see Infrastructure NSW prioritising this project for the next five years,” Mayor Bowen said.

        “In short, light rail to Randwick provides a lot of bang for your buck. This will make it easier to get to the footy or cricket while also helping tens of thousands of commuters, workers and students.

        “I’m also pleased to see the Government considering an extension of the eastern suburbs heavy rail line to Randwick and Maroubra as the next train line to be built,” Mayor Bowen said.


        MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                                                                              

        3 October 2012 

        Randwick Mayor Tony Bowen has welcomed today’s announcement from Infrastructure NSW of a $500 million extension of Sydney’s light rail network from Central to the Moore Park precinct and University of NSW.

        “Randwick City Council has supported the return of light rail to the eastern suburbs for many years and it’s pleasing to see Infrastructure NSW prioritising this project for the next five years,” Mayor Bowen said.

        “In short, light rail to Randwick provides a lot of bang for your buck. This will make it easier to get to the footy or cricket while also helping tens of thousands of commuters, workers and students.

        “I’m also pleased to see the Government considering an extension of the eastern suburbs heavy rail line to Randwick and Maroubra as the next train line to be built,” Mayor Bowen said.

        “Randwick City is unique – no other area in Sydney contains four major hospitals, a leading university and TAFE, a nationally significant racecourse, major sporting stadiums and parklands and yet has no dedicated rail transport.

        “While the proposal is welcome, I would like to see the Government commit to maintaining or improving the current bus services in the eastern suburbs and also consider providing a dedicated bicycle path alongside the light rail route.

        “Light rail to Randwick will benefit not just the 11,000 workers who travel to the Sydney CBD each day, but also for our 42,000 UNSW students, 13,200 hospital and uni workers, 7,000 TAFE students, 400,000 race-goers and the millions more who go to concerts, games and events at Moore Park, Centennial Parklands and sporting stadiums each year.

        “I’m pleased Randwick City Council’s ongoing partnership with the University of NSW, the Australian Turf Club, The Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust and the South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service is now paying off,” Mayor Bowen said.