GreenWay debate on hold for months

Supporters of a green corridor in the inner west are confounded by the state government’s decision to table the GreenWay no sooner than in three months.

A crowd of residents met on the NSW parliamentary steps on Wednesday, February 15 to submit a petition with over 10,000 signatures, reinforcing their support for the walking and cycling path.

But Friends of the GreenWay spokesperson, Jud Agius said he was surprised by the delayed debate set for May 31.

“They will have signed contracts by then. They will appoint a successful tenderer [for the light-rail sections] by March.”

The 5km pathway was originally designed to be built simultaneously with the light-rail extension in the Inner West but last year the state government halted the GreenWay component.

According to the transport department’s website, the operator of the existing light rail, Metro Transport Sydney (MTS) has signed an agreement in-principle for MTS to design and construct the new tracks.

“By the time it’s discussed, it will be too late to influence the contract … even the design will be locked in.”

Mr Agius said he expected the project to be tabled within two to three weeks of the petition presentation.

The NSW Transport website says: “The GreenWay shared path will be reassessed as part of a broader integrated transport plan for Sydney that includes cross-regional cycleways.”

“The Government intends to consider alternative options for the design of the Greenway, and to assess the viability of the City West Cycle Link proposal and alternative parallel improvements, as components of a Cooks River – Iron Cove – White Bay link in Sydney’s active transport network.”

Member for Marrickville, Carmel Tebbutt said the petition would force government to outline the reasons for its retrograde decision in Parliament.

“I think the government is penny-pinching and making excuses.”

Ms Tebbutt said: “They’re showing contempt for the residents of the inner west. This is a really important project… it’s a great disappointment for people to see now the government pull the rug from underneath the project.” The MP said she has tried writing and speaking with the Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian, about this issue.

“At this stage, the Minister is still saying the government’s not going to go ahead with the project which I think is very disappointing.”