Image: Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne. AAP Image, Joel Carrett
by GRACE JOHNSON
With the Biennale fast approaching, Inner West Council is urgently calling on the NSW Government to provide a shuttle bus service to the White Bay Power Station.
Currently, the Power Station remains inaccessible for many patrons travelling across Sydney after a proposed ferry service to White Bay was cancelled.
The ongoing closure of Rozelle Parklands has also meant that the Lilyfield Light Rail stop is cut off from public access.
“The only direct public transport route to the Power Station is a bus to the Rozelle Interchange, the place no commuter in Sydney wants to travel to,” said the council in a statement.
In light of delays regarding the clean-up of asbestos in the parklands, threatening the success of the event, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has expressed his concern that a lack of public transport might also impact the Biennale’s turnout.
Need for extra transport
“The Biennale should be the best thing to happen for our arts and cultural scene in decades, but the success of the event will be undermined if patrons simply can’t get to White Bay Power Station,” said the mayor.
“With a bus to the Rozelle Interchange the only public transport link now available, we are very worried that the bumper crowds expected at the Biennale will simply not be able to get there,” he continued.
A shuttle bus service that connects local ferry wharves and light rail stops to the Power Station, as well as local bars, cafés and restaurants on Darling Street, would be a “practical way” to ensure the event’s success, he asserted.
Member for Balmain Kobi Shetty also highlighted the importance of foot traffic for local businesses, saying that the Biennale would give a much-needed boost for local businesses.
“The ongoing cost of living crisis means local businesses are doing it tough,” Ms Shetty told City Hub.
“The Biennale will bring so many people to the area, but I’m concerned that without adequate public transport connections linking shops and restaurants on our high streets to the White Bay Power Station, our local businesses won’t be able to make the most of this important event.”
Calls for government support
The mayor furthered that the government should provide additional support, given the major impacts that the opening of the Rozelle Interchange and asbestos contamination has had on the community.
“Given how many impacts our local community has been subjected to throughout the Rozelle Interchange and the asbestos mess, I think Transport for NSW owes us some assistance here,” he said.
The Rozelle Parklands have been closed to the public since the discovery of asbestos in the mulch in January, only a few weeks after the long-awaited park was opened.
After launching legal action against the contractors, the Inner West Council and community were dismayed to learn that the remediation and reopening of the parklands would be pushed back another month.
Ms Shetty told City Hub, “With the Rozelle Parklands closed, it’s already challenging for visitors to use the light rail to get to White Bay, meaning people are more likely to travel to Balmain by ferry.”
“Whilst additional 441 and 442 services are helpful, there is a whole section of Rozelle that is not going to benefit from people travelling along that route.”
“That’s why the government should step in and fund a shuttle bus from Balmain East to the Biennale that stops along Darling Street, allowing tourists and locals to enjoy all that’s on offer,” echoing the mayor’s calls for government support.
“I don’t want to see our wonderful, hard working local businesses miss out on the economic boost the Biennale could deliver.”
City Hub is awaiting comment from Transport for NSW.
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