Government scraps B-Line plans for Spit Junction M30 bus layover
COMMUNITY anger has forced the NSW Government to dump B-Line plans for an M30 bus parking space on Military Rd Mosman, just 24 days out from the North Shore by-election.
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THE NSW Government has performed a partial B-Line backflip 24 days out from the North Shore by-election.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance announced this week on Wednesday that the planned M30 bus layover — or parking space for buses between journeys — on Military Rd, Mosman had been dumped after community feedback on the B-Line.
The proposed permanent layover would have adversely impacted businesses between Spit Junction and Mosman Fire Station by blocking shopfronts and taking over parking.
Military Rd business owner Peter Kelaher, of PK Property, organised a protest against the planned layover last month, but called it off after B-Line staff requested a last-minute meeting with him.
Mosman Council has asked B-Line authorities if the M30 bus service can share the old Spit Junction cinema site with the B-Line.
The B-Line plans include a new city bound indented bus bay and bus stop on the site.
Mr Constance said transport authorities would investigate alternatives for the M30 bus layover on Military Rd.
“It is important we listen to the community, and after feedback from locals and business owners it’s clear we should not proceed with the proposed location for the M30 bus layover zone on Military Rd,” he said.
“I’d like to thank the community for participating in this planning process, sending in their submissions and attending the community information sessions.
“The current arrangements for the M30 layover will remain in place until a long-term solution is finalised.
“While the period for submissions has closed, we will continue to liaise with stakeholders and the community to hear and address their concerns.”
The proposed rapid bus system will aim to provide more frequent and reliable services between the northern beaches and Sydney CBD from late 2017.
Critics call the B-Line a “Band-Aid solution” which will benefit the northern beaches at the expense of the lower north shore.
An affected group of lower north shore residents have started a petition to “halt the B-Line” and plan to gather at least 500 signatures by April 7, to submit to the NSW Legislative Assembly.
The petition is available in Cremorne shops, including: Shot on Military Cafe, Cremorne Newsagency and Cremorne Town Centre Pharmacy.
Cremorne resident John Lucas, a spokesman for the group of residents who started the petition, said that no one the group had spoken to believed that the B-Line would benefit them.
“Without exception, everyone mentions that it won’t improve anything and could make it worse,” he said.
“People say the tunnel is the only solution to the traffic problem on Military Rd.
“We also receive many comments on what a waste of money the B-Line will be and that they should just put the money towards the tunnel.
“The B-Line will turn Military Rd into another Parramatta Rd.
“We see this project as a major threat to our already built-up amenity and are focused on finding a win/win solution or even a win/don’t lose solution.
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF REVEILLE BELMAIN
“The current proposals are definitely win/lose, with the North Shore electorate the loser.”
Visit handsoffberejiklian.com.au for more information about the group’s campaign against the B-Line.
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