22 January 2024
By Hannah Wilcox
Milsons Point residents fighting the proposed Harbour Bridge bike ramp design have escalated their concerns to the Premier, after Transport Minister Jo Haylen said she had reached her final position on the matter.
The ramp has been a point of contention due to negative perceptions over its size, possible damage to historical bridge features, cost and potential for accidents between cyclists and pedestrians.
Milsons Point Community Group head Joan Street wrote to Haylen in November 2023 accusing Transport NSW of making false statements.
In the letter, Street listed off eight points referring to prior communication between herself and the Minister to which she believed to be false.
These included statements in relation to the bike ramp’s community engagement and approval, independent consultant and assessment for and of the project, local council approval, historical sensitivities, incorrect use of data, safety and open space considerations.
Her letter said: “We therefore request, as a matter of urgency, you pause and meet with representatives of the community to discuss these critical issues. You can provide a win/win outcome with rideable cycle access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge without destroying Australia’s national icon, whilst protecting precious green space and providing a safe cycle ramp accessible to all.”
“Transport’s proposed linear monorail-style cycleway is unsuited to the space in which it lands and if built would condemn all those associated with its realisation to the opprobrium of succeeding generations,” it said.
Residents have previously suggested a “community option” which would employ a loop design making landfall south of the Milsons Point station entrance, occupying a much smaller footprint than the government’s proposed linear option which would extend several hundred metres along Bradfield Park North to near the Alfred St South and Lavender St roundabout.
A response by Minister Haylen disregarded these claims, writing there were “no miscalculations” and Transport NSW “did not use incorrect data” when undertaking project planning.
“This process has been consistent, extensive and genuine since the development of the current proposal commenced in 2020,” Haylen wrote.
“Transport rejects in any way the suggestion that it has undertaken the planning and heritage approval processes, or its engagement with project stakeholders, including North Sydney Council, in an inappropriate manner.”
She added that she nor the NSW Government had any more to say.
“While I acknowledge your strong feelings towards the project, I note that multiple responses have been sent to you in this regard,” the Minister said.
“As I am unable to provide any additional information, please consider this response as current and the NSW Government’s final position in relation to the matter.”
It was previously reported by the Sun in September 2023 that a joint letter, addressed to Premier Chris Minns, asked for an immediate halt to the project with claims the government had admitted that its preferred option proceeded despite a measurement error.
Following Haylen’s response, the matter has since again been escalated to the Premier with Street pushing for the consideration of the “community option”.
Dated December 2023, the resident called for the support of Minns in stopping the project, referencing his speech at the 2023 Bradfield Oration.
She wrote: “Premier Minns, this is your opportunity to live up to these words and place the public good ahead of the self-obsession and self-aggrandisement currently being displayed by Minister Haylen and Transport for NSW.”
“I request you intervene, stop Transport’s destructive linear cycle ramp plans and direct the Minister and Transport for NSW to work constructively with North Sydney Council and the community in the delivery of the superior Community Cycle Ramp.”
“Without your urgent intervention, Transport will not only deliver another fiasco but will also destroy the heritage features at Milsons Point of the renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge, part of Australia’s national identity,” Street added.
She also requested the letter not be referred to Transport NSW or Minster Haylen following “no success in dealing with those”.