Lord Mayor Objects To Waterloo Bus Lane Plan For “Cannibalising” Footpath & Tree Canopy

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has criticised a $22 million NSW Government plan to turn a southbound lane of Botany Road in Waterloo into a morning peak bus lane.

Cr Moore said the project would mean “cannibalising” the footpath and tree canopy on Botany Road, according to ABC News.

She slammed the proposed southbound AM peak bus lane as road widening “under the guise” of bus improvement.

“The extra traffic and insignificant public transport benefits does not justify the $22 million price tag, nor the impacts on local amenity.”

On the 1st of October 2026, the NSW government announced plans along Botany Road and McEvoy Street intersection and bus corridor.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says Botany Road is a key north-south bus corridor connecting passengers to major employment centres, education precincts and public transport hubs.

They say the improvements will help to reduce congestion, improve bus reliability on Botany Road, and support safer and more efficient operation of the intersection. Currently, congestion occurs along Botany Road and at the intersection with McEvoy Street, resulting in delays for all road users.

What are the actual changes?

The project will convert a southbound lane on Botany Road between Raglan and Bourke Streets into a bus lane. It will operate from 6 am to 10 am on weekdays, and the current bus stop will be relocated 95 metres south.

A new southbound right-turn lane would be added for vehicles turning into McEvoy Street, and the right turn from McEvoy Street into Botany Road would be banned.

To fit the turn lane, the road would be widened into the road reserve, removing about 14 informal parking spaces and up to nine trees, with more trees to be trimmed.

What’s next?

Construction is likely to start in early 2027, mostly at night.

TfNSW completed its initial community engagement in September to help finalise the design with community input, but is considering community feedback on the proposal.