Oxford St East cycleway: Questions asked of cost of contentious project

The cost of contentious plans to deliver a cycleway on Oxford St - one of Sydney’s busiest roads - has been called into question with a federal government’s $3.7m now contribution off the table.

Artist impression as of June 2023 for plans for the Oxford St East cycleway. Picture: TfNSW.

The cost of contentious plans to deliver a cycleway on Oxford St has been called into question with the federal government’s $3.7m contribution off the table and the NSW Government refusing to share the cost so far.

The planned cycleway - to connect Sydney’s eastern suburbs with the CBD - would permanently slash traffic lanes on Oxford St, between Taylor Square and Centennial Park, from four to two.

The proposed infrastructure is aimed at rejuvenating Oxford St, through improving its amenity, safety for cyclists and reducing congestion and noise.

Yet, three years after the plans were first raised no design has been approved and community backlash has led to delays and another round of consultation.

As a result, a $3.7m federal government grant under the Road Safety Stimulus Program was withdrawn in late 2021.

Oxford St, Paddington, where there is a plan to halve the number of traffic lanes to accommodate a new cycleway. Picture: Julian Andrews.

New artist impressions of the Oxford St East Cycleway showing parking in bus lanes, permitted during off-peak periods and weekends (subject to change). Picture: TfNSW.

A spokesman for Transport Minister Jo Haylen said a decision was “yet to be made” if the NSW Government would cover the loss of the grant funding.

A Transport for NSW spokesman said spending on the two rounds of community consultation and design up to October 2023 was commercial in-confidence.

Senator Andrew Bragg has opposed the cycleway. Picture: Martin Ollman.

NSW Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, who has voiced opposition to the project, said Canberra “should never have funded” the project and argued against possible future federal funding.

“I’m pleased the federal government hasn’t replaced the money. The state should do the same and defund the project,” he said.

According to stakeholder submissions published by Transport for NSW in June, community group Better Streets pushed for the project to be accelerated under the understanding the cost was to be split between the state and federal governments.

In a submission Woollahra Council advocated for more state and federal funding for upgrades to the Oxford St streetscape to make it more attractive for residents, businesses and visitors.

A TfNSW spokeswoman said it was “carefully considering feedback” following a second round of community consultation on the proposed Oxford Street East cycleway.

The spokeswoman said the federal program required projects to be delivered within 18 months of approval, “which was not possible due to the early stage and complex nature of the project, requiring design and consultation”.

To date, the planning, design and development of the project has been funded by the NSW government.