Officers support foreshore cycle path

Gosford Council officers have recommended approval of a proposed shared pedestrian and cycle pathway along the Woy Woy foreshore reserve, from Brickwharf Rd to the Peninsula Leisure Centre.

The application has drawn 33 submissions from the community, of which 25 raised objections and eight were in support of the proposal.

A further three submissions were made following the notification of amended plans.

Submissions included suggestions for an alternative route along the roadway, claims of the project being an "unnecessary waste of money", and concerns over maintenance, visual impact, appearance, size, design, safety, noise and environmental impact.

One submission stated that cycleways and shared pathways were needed and desired, but not on the reserve.

Another stated that the proposed pathway was not practical for cyclists as a transport alternative.

Council officers stated that the off road cycleway was favoured over a dedicated on-road cycleway which would remove existing street parking.

They also stated that on road cycleways were designed to provide transport alternative for experienced cyclists while off-road shared pathways were designed for the "young, elderly and inexperienced pedestrians and cyclists to travel in safety by avoiding busy major roadways".

In response to concerns over the proposed development being unnecessary and a "waste of money", officers stated that the Review of Environmental Factors provided justification for the proposed development.

The Review stated that an increase in vehicular traffic and a high cycling population combined with a large aged community who "enjoy walking and other recreational pursuits" meant that a shared pathway would provide an improvement in safety for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Officers also stated that while there were still "many streets" on the Woy Woy Peninsula that needed improvements, it would be wise to take advantage of the government grants on offer for this project.

One submission suggested that the pathway should follow the waters edge for its full length, due to it being a more "scenic and attractive route" and also due to concerns about its closeness to house boundaries.

Officers stated that for the most part, the pathway was as close as could be permitted to Brisbane Water, however environmental and safety issues limited the placement of the walkway at the waters edge in some areas.

Officers stated that the proposed location therefore represented a tradeoff between minimising environmental impacts and maintaining residential amenity.

Several submissions related to the safety of the pathway being shared usage between cyclists and pedestrians, as well as other users of the reserve.

Council officers stated that walkers and joggers would continue to have the option to use the grassed areas if they choose.

"The proposal does not significantly restrict or interfere with other users of the reserve," officers stated.

Officers stated that design measures were considered adequate to address safety concerns.

In relation to environmental concerns, council officers stated that while minor environmental impacts could occur, the risks were low as works were minimal and proposed safeguards would be in place.

Officers stated that: "the application is accompanied by specialist reports/plans to identify and effectively mange environmental impacts relating to erosion and sedimentation, acid sulphate soils, conservation and protection of native flora and fauna and aboriginal archaeological deposits".

Officers also stated that noise levels were not anticipated to increase as a result of the proposal, nor would the proposal "adversely impact privacy"

Submissions in support of the proposal stated that it would be a "welcome addition" to the foreshore and would reduce cycle traffic on Blackwall Rd.

They also stated that the pathway would give older people and families the opportunity to enjoy the foreshore and its views from a firm footing.

The submissions stated that it would be a boon for wheel chairs and powered scooters as at present they "presently get bogged in some of the more sandy areas".

"This will be by far the safest way to go and my grandchildren will enjoy the easier route to the playground on their bicycles.

"The proposed route will make use of the beautiful waterside location - an asset we can all enjoy, whether cyclists, pedestrians or kayakers."

"It is a beautiful part of the coast and the more people that can enjoy this area the better."

The cycleway is to be constructed of 3m wide, 150mm thick reinforced concrete.

A small portion of the path between the Sonter Ave and Lions Park will require the construction of a raised boardwalk over a distance of 35m.

Structural details for the boardwalk would be subject to a future design by an appropriately qualified engineer.

The cycleway would also traverses two boat ramps with bollards, handrails and signage provided.

The cycleway would also provide links to adjoining streets including Brick Wharf Rd, Park Rd, Bowden Rd, Allfield Rd, and MacMasters Rd.

Council officers stated that that the proposed works would take 20 to 24 weeks to construct.

Council agenda ENV.56, 7 Aug 2007