Decision details

Moved by Councillor Maxwell, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         residents of 19 Joynton Avenue and surrounding properties in Zetland have raised ongoing concerns regarding noise generated by the boardwalk adjacent to their properties;

(ii)        the boardwalk, located on the west side of Joynton Avenue, is used by pedestrians, and illegally used by people riding bicycles, including delivery riders, at all hours of the day and night, and that while it is not formally designated as a shared path, such use continues to occur;

(iii)      the path on the eastern side of Joynton Avenue is a shared path, the designated route for cyclists;

(iv)      residents have advised that the construction of this section of the boardwalk, comprising metal boards mounted on a metal frame, results in movement of the boards under use and generates significant noise;

(v)       this noise has been reported to impact residents’ amenity, including sleep disturbance and the peaceable enjoyment of their homes;

(vi)      the City has undertaken a range of measures to address these concerns, including engagement with residents, signage and behavioural interventions, minor repairs, and the development of alternative cycling routes to redirect riders away from the boardwalk; and

(vii)     residents have indicated that these measures have not fully addressed the noise impact on residents and have suggested that attention be given to noise dampening measures;

(B)      Council further note:

(i)         City’s staff have undertaken work to respond to the concerns raised, including:

(a)       engaging with mapping providers such as Google to discourage routing cyclists along the boardwalks and instead to direct riders to surrounding streets and formal cycling infrastructure, which has resulted in the boardwalk no longer showing as a cyclable route on Google maps;

(b)       coordinating with NSW Police, who have carried out targeted enforcement operations in the Zetland and Green Square area to address illegal riding, speeding and footpath cycling; and

(c)       working with body corporates to relocate delivery access points away from boardwalks;

(ii)        construction of the O’Dea cycleway will begin this year, with traffic signal upgrades being investigated to direct cyclists to cross on the eastern side of O’Dea Avenue and Joynton Avenue and continue south using the designated cycle infrastructure;

(iii)      it is important that infrastructure supporting shared use is designed and maintained to minimise impacts on adjacent residents, including noise and vibration; and

(iv)      there may be opportunities to explore additional or innovative measures to mitigate noise associated with the boardwalk surface and its use; and

(C)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         provide advice to Council on:

(a)       the current approach to managing noise impacts associated with the boardwalk;

(a)       potential options to reduce noise associated with wheeled traffic on the boardwalk surface;

(b)       the outcome of the investigation to upgrade the traffic signals at O’Dea Avenue and Joynton Avenue; and

(c)       whether the line marking and share path signage on the eastern side of Joynton Avenue needs to be refreshed;

(ii)        consider whether further investigation or works are warranted to address the concerns raised by residents; and

(iii)      provide a report to Council and the concerned residents outlining:

(a)       the findings of this review; and

(b)       any next steps.

Carried unanimously.

X113762