Harold Park study unsettles community

Glebe resident groups are unhappy with the latest plans by the City of Sydney for the Harold Park site, despite assurances that their voices are being heard as plans move forward.

Traffic congestion is at the core of resident discontent with the plans for Harold Park.

Many resident groups such as FLAG, feel there is too much talk on public transport.

Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard, said his government remains committed to ensuring that the affect on the community and its roads are minimised.

“With any new development proceeding there will be an increase to traffic capacity but public transport will be available to residents.”

Glebe Resident group FLAG rejects the idea that public transport such as expansion of the light rail will solve traffic congestion.

Committee member, Andrew Rolfe said the City is not being realistic when addressing ideas around public transport, leaving many residents to feel ignored.

“We have seen stats where 85 per cent of the people work outside of the CBD and Inner West, so really you have to hop into your car,” Mr Rolfe said.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP disagreed with arguments that Council has not taken residents’ fears seriously.

She said they have expanded consultations to be fair to all about possible traffic problems.

“The City has engaged an independent consultant to undertake thorough analysis of key intersections that will identify road and signal improvements to minimise traffic impacts,” she said.

FLAG wrote to Clover Moore last month, expressing dissatisfaction with the latest proposal and the scale model which doesn’t effectively address traffic congestion in troubled spots, including Glebe Point Rd, City WestLink, The Crescent, and Bridge Rd.

Glebe Society member, Neil Macindoe said another crucial issue is the expansion of the apartment complex’s site in Harold Park, which is adjacent to valuable parkland.

“We object because at eight storeys it is above the cliffs that surround the site because it impacts on privacy and views.

There needs to be much more thorough study of the problems and possible solutions.”

As reported by City News in April, residents groups like FLAG are still awaiting a micro-stimulation model that will display plans for the whole of the area.

Greens MP for Balmain Jamie Parker said: “I welcome new housing and new residents to the local area, but developments need to be sustainable.”

By SJ Malagre