Moved by Councillor Gannon, seconded by
Councillor Jarrett –
It is resolved that:
(A)
Council note:
(i)
the topography of Potts Point and Woolloomooloo is
challenging, with access from Woolloomooloo to Potts Point only possible via
steps or steep hills;
(ii)
the much-loved McElhone Stairs have served the
community well since 1904. The steps were the subject of a Sali
Herman’s 1944 Wynne Prize landscape, and the site of espionage activities by
Russian persona non grata during the Cold War;
(iii)
there is an undeniable need to improve
accessibility between Potts Point and Woolloomooloo via lift access.
Woolloomooloo is home to a public school, community facilities, playgrounds,
and is the connection from the east to the CBD, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
Modern and the Royal Botanic Gardens;
(iv)
the demographic of Potts Point and the surrounding
suburbs is rapidly changing, with the latest census data showing the number of
families and elderly people in the area on the rise;
(v)
people with different accessibility needs, such as
people with mobility issues or families with young children and prams are
prevented from accessing Woolloomooloo from Potts Point directly;
(vi)
the Premier is committed to “enhanc[ing] the liveability of our city, promot[ing] more people actively exploring the city and develop[ing] a drawcard which is on everybody’s bucket-list”
through the Sydney Great Walk policy. A lift here would fix the missing link of
equitable access; and
(vii)
the area next to the McElhone Stairs offers the
best available space for a lift;
(B)
the Chief Executive Officer be requested to
investigate the feasibility of installing a lift alongside the McElhone Stairs
and report back to Council its costings and findings; and
(C)
subject
to the feasibility investigations and report outcomes, the Lord Mayor be
requested to write to the Premier and Alex Greenwich MP expressing Council’s
desire to improve accessibility between Potts Point and Woolloomooloo via a
lift at the McElhone stairs and the need for State Government support.
Carried unanimously.
X086658