Decision details

Moved by the Chair (the Deputy Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Worling -

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         on 18 December 2024, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) sent an Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) notification letter to the Erskineville community;

(ii)        on 27 September 2025, TfNSW distributed a brochure to the Erskineville community about planned cycleway improvements to Swanson Street in Erskineville;

(iii)       Transport for NSW propose to upgrade the existing one-way cycleway over the bridge at Erskineville Station with a 2-way cycleway, separated from motor vehicles, remove the pedestrian fencing on the northern side, and widen the shared path area of Erskineville Square;

(iv)       the proposed cycleway is a small missing link between the existing cycleway on Henderson Road and connecting onto an existing route on Burren Street;

(v)        the community have been raising the need for a safe walking and riding between Burren Street and Swanson Street in line with this route's status as a Strategic Cycleway Corridors; and

(vi)       the City welcomes Transport for NSW undertaking design work, engaging with the community and seeking feedback on this important link;

(B)       Council further note:

(i)         in 2023, in the Urban Forest Strategy, the City put in place targets to increase canopy cover from a baseline of 15.5% to 23% by 2030. That same year, City released, the Street Tree Master Plan, taking an approach to median street trees that reinforced precinct character;

(ii)        in 2009, the Erskineville Village Streetscape Character aspires to enhancing streetscapes with appropriate-scale trees and respecting the existing character;

(iii)       both the City’s Cycling Strategy and Action Plan, from 2025, and Transport for NSW’s Cycleways Design Toolbox stress the importance of providing active transport infrastructure that separates pedestrians and cyclists in scenarios such as Swanson Street and Burren Street; and

(iv)       Swanson Street is a State-controlled Road and the link to Burren Street is also on land controlled by the State, as such Transport for NSW is responsible for implementing road and cycleway measures; and

(C)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Minister for Transport calling on him to:

(i)         retain the existing median island on Swanson Street, including the bicycle crossing and the two established trees, and prioritise exploring bus access that does not involve their removal; and

(ii)        include the link between Burren Street and Swanson Street in the scope for this project and ensure it includes a footpath and a separated cycleway path.

Carried unanimously.

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