Ryde River Walk: Residents’ threat over boardwalk extension

A group representing waterfront owners in NSW has threatened to take legal action against Ryde Council over a move to extend a boardwalk.

The stairs descending from the bottom of Ross Street to the waterfront dinghy rack and the boardwalk heading east to Glades Bay Reserve.

Residents have hit back at plans to complete the final piece of the Ryde River Walk, connecting Bill Mitchell Park and Ross Street at Tennyson Point.

A group representing waterfront owners in NSW has threatened legal action against Ryde Council over the move, which was approved at a meeting last month.

The Waterfront Action Group (WAG) has written to council expressing its concerns over the board extension.

The unfenced waterfront land next to properties near Bill Mitchell Park.

“WAG considers that its members in Western Crescent, Gladesville will be seriously affected by the proposed boardwalk extension, which will affect their long-established common law rights of direct access to a public waterway,” the group’s president, George Citer, said.

“(We) also consider that the proposed boardwalk extension in Glades Bay, in front of private waterfront properties, would set a dangerous precedent for the whole of NSW and WAG is committed to ensuring that the proposal does not proceed.

“WAG will therefore be fully supporting its Western Crescent, Gladesville members in this matter, and that will include, if necessary, funding support for vigorous legal action against the City of Ryde.”

The Ryde River Walk was opened to the public in 2008, providing access to the Parramatta foreshore for walkers and cyclists between Gladesville Bridge and Ryde Bridge.

However, a section at Tennyson Point diverts from the foreshore and instead forces people up a steep stairway and into local streets. The stairway has proved to be an impediment for some people while also depriving others of accessing a major part of the foreshore.

Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale said building the missing link would ensure the Ryde River Walk became more accessible.

“Our waterfront should be available to everyone, not just a few,” Cr Laxale said.

“The Ryde River Walk is one of the jewels in our city’s crown and building this new connection will not only improve this fantastic outdoor space but also ensure the entire community can access this picturesque part of the Parramatta River.”