Foreshore concerns ripple through Bays Precinct

The first in a trio of consultative forums on the Bays Precinct was held this week and last week with traffic, leases, and ad-hoc decisions as points of contention.

The Bays Precinct Taskforce was established by the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard to develop a strategic framework for the Bays Precinct for the next 25 years.

The Taskforce has held a series of community meetings in the Balmain and Glebe area.

Representatives from the NSW Government, the Leichhardt Council, City of Sydney and local community groups were in attendance, as well as concerned residents.

On Saturday, the Taskforce’s Community Representative, Jane Marceau, expressed concern about what she viewed as minimal dialogue between government agencies and the local community.

She asked for the establishment of a special governance entity to oversee development of the precinct.

The Bays Precinct includes Glebe Island, White Bay, Rozelle Bay and Black Wattle Bay as well as the White Bay Power Station and the Rozelle Rail Yards.

Several in attendance, including Ms Marceau, were concerned about the government leasing property along the foreshore.

She has yet to receive clear information about the matter.

There was also concern about perceived ad-hoc decision making in the precinct.

Spokespersons for Minister Hazzard said he has halted decision-making regarding the foreshore until the Taskforce announces its outcomes.

They said Sydney Ports has been asked not to enter leases with an end-date beyond 2020 until the Taskforce’s conclusion.

There was also concern over noise and light pollution from the White Bay Cruise Terminal development.

Others appealed for improved public transport, including ferries, and the use of public roadways by portgenerated traffic.

Some also pushed for more open spaces and improved foreshore access, especially around the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

This included improved disability access.

Some in attendance were wary of the de-industrialisation of the Harbour.

A marine engineer told the Inner West Independent the gradual decline of the Harbour as a working port has increased the number of freight trucks driving to Sydney from Port Kembla and Newcastle.

They said increased traffic has amplified risks on the road.

Leichhardt Mayor Rochelle Porteous said she was unhappy with the lack of community consultation, saying the Council wanted six community representatives but only one was designated.

She attacked the shift from the development of a master plan to that of a strategic framework, saying a master plan ensures developments are measured against planning instruments, while the effect of a strategic framework has not been defined.

She was also critical of the Taskforce’s change in timeframe.

She said in December 2011 there were assurances from Minister Hazzard’s office that the Taskforce would have 12 months to reach its findings.

In early in 2012, this was shortened to six months, a timeframe she considers too short. She is also wary the Taskforce may be used as a rubber stamp for Sydney Ports to intensify their port activity in White Bay and Glebe Island.

Another two series of forums will be held in June.

The Taskforce’s report and recommendations will be delivered to the state government on July 30.