Decision details

Original motion moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Phelps -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the NSW Government has released details on an integrated network plan for Sydney’s South East that will affect key bus routes for the City of Sydney;

(ii)        residents in the City of Sydney suburbs of Alexandria, Botany, Redfern, Rosebery, Surry Hills, Waterloo and Zetland will be directly impacted by the proposed changes;

(iii)      a number of routes will be changed or lost altogether significantly impacting vulnerable City of Sydney residents including:

(a)  301, 302 and 303 services will be lost completely affecting Redfern,  Waterloo, Zetland and Rosebery residents;

(b)  309 will no longer operate between Redfern and Central;

(c)   Surry Hills residents will lose a number of bus services including routes 309, 338, 372, 376, 391, 393 and 395;

(d)  370 route – used to run from Coogee to Leichardt via the University of Sydney – will no longer operate from University of Sydney to Leichardt impacting residents who used to travel to Coogee from Glebe and Newtown and residents who also want to travel between Glebe and Newtown easily;

(e)  418 – will no longer operate between Sydenham and Kingsford impacting residents in Alexandria; and

(f)    389 route no longer services the Pyrmont Bay Ferry Wharf nor the West end of the Pyrmont Bridge;

(iv)      an integrated transport network, including regular bus services, is crucial to creating a sustainable city and accommodate the high growth in residents, workers and visitors to the local area in the future;

(v)       a key role for the City is to make representations on behalf of residents to other levels of government;

(vi)      the Lord Mayor and Council have been consistent, passionate advocates for accessible public transport services throughout the City of Sydney since 2004;

(vii)     the Lord Mayor has publicly and privately called for significant improvements to public transport services for Green Square, including Light Rail, suburban rail and Sydney Metro;

(viii)    Transport for NSW requested feedback by 30 June 2021, with a view to implementation later in the year;

(ix)      City staff drafted a submission to the consultation, which was circulated to Councillors for input via a CEO Update on 25 June 2021;

(x)       the City lodged a comprehensive submission with Transport for NSW on 30 June 2021, which included feedback directly received from Councillors;

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance:

(i)         providing a copy of the City’s submission to the Transport for NSW consultation process on the Draft South East Bus Plan and highlighting potential impacts on inner city residents;

(ii)        requesting that Transport for NSW brief Council on the details of the Draft South East Bus Plan before it is finalised;

(iii)      reiterating Council’s support for stronger public transport links in the City of Sydney;

(iv)      repeating Council’s requests for funding for Green Square Light Rail, a Metro station at Green Square and a high-frequency, zero-emission bus service from Green Square to the CBD; and

(v)       asking the NSW Government to listen to community feedback received through the consultation process and to further engage with the community ahead of and during the implementation of the changes.

The amended motion was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (9)          The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Chung, Kok, Miller, Phelps, Scott, Scully, Thalis, and Vithoulkas

Noes (1)          Councillor Forster.

Motion carried.

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