Randwick Council considers nine new cycleway routes

Randwick councillors will debate nine routes for its proposed east-west cycleway project, which has sparked controversy in the community. But one councillor wants all plans to be scrapped.

Cr Anthony Andrews wants the east-west cycleway project to be scrapped all together. Picture: Craig Wilson

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Eight new potential routes for a proposed cycleway from South Coogee to Kingsford’s light rail terminal have been unveiled, as Randwick Council shifts gears on the controversial project.

More than 800 submissions were received by the council over its proposed 1.9km route from Bundock to Sturt streets via Avoca St revealed last year, with many raising concerns about the loss of trees on Bundock St.

That prompted council to launch a design review in December, which has formulated several other options to be presented to councillors at Tuesday night’s ordinary meeting.

The new proposed routes of an east-west cycle track from Coogee to Kingsford. Picture: Randwick Council

But independent councillor Anthony Andrews is set to move a motion calling for the project to be scrapped altogether, saying the council should instead turn its focus to a north-south link from La Perouse to Kingsford.

Cr Andrews said a separated bike path along the centre of Anzac Pde would ease traffic and create a safer environment for cyclists.

“I don’t agree with any of the routes proposed,” he said.

Residents held a protest over the proposed Bundock St route.

“I don’t think an east-west path should be a priority of Randwick Council.

“We need to get bikes off Anzac Pde and we have a median strip there to beautify.”

Cr Andrews claimed the original proposal, which is still in the running for approval, was “rushed” through by “Greens councillors grandstanding on bikes”.

Council chose the route due to its direct path, lower impact on residences, relative gradient, lighter street parking demand and wider street width compared to other options.

Mayor Kathy Neilson said she expected debate over the new routes at this week’s meeting. Picture: Bob Barker

The new routes include a 3.3km path on Storey St, Gale Rd and Anzac Pde; a 3.2km track along Storey St and Anzac Pde; a 3km path from Oberon to Barker streets via Perouse Rd, and a 3.3km route on Dudley and St Pauls streets past the Prince of Wales Hospital precinct.

Two proposals would run 3.3km from Moverley Rd to Anzac Pde, with one going via Henning Ave and Holmes St.

Another would follow Rainbow St 2.4km, while the final track would run 2.2km along Bundock and Rigney lanes, Rigney and McNair avenues and Wallace St.

IN OTHER NEWS

All are designed to end at light rail stops on Anzac Pde, and link to a future path north along Houston Rd and Doncaster Ave to Centennial Park.

Mayor Kathy Neilson said the council now had more information about alternative routes to consider, following extensive reviews by staff.

“I expect councillors will have a considered and constructive debate at our next meeting in considering how best to proceed with the project,” she said.