Post on 19-Aug-2018
transcript
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT .............................................................................................................5
CBD AND SOUTH EAST LIGHT RAIL OVERVIEW MAP .........................................................................6
WHY IS THE CSELR NEEDED? ................................................................................................................8
PROPOSAL OVERVIEW .........................................................................................................................10
CITY CENTRE PRECINCT ......................................................................................................................10
SURRY HILLS PRECINCT ......................................................................................................................13
MOORE PARK PRECINCT .....................................................................................................................15
RANDWICK PRECINCT ...........................................................................................................................17
KENSINGTON AND KINGSFORD PRECINCT .......................................................................................20
RANDWICK STABLING FACILITY ...........................................................................................................23
ROZELLE LOCALITY – MAINTENANCE DEPOT ...................................................................................23
KEY FINDINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ........................................................24
NEXT STEPS ...........................................................................................................................................32
CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
• additional special event services between Central Railway Station and the Moore Park and Royal Randwick Racecourse stops
• heavy rail interchanges at major rail stations (Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall and Central), a ferry interchange at Circular Quay, and bus interchanges at the Town Hall, Queen Victoria Building, Rawson Place, Central Station, Randwick and Kingsford stops
• afleetofelectric-poweredlightrailvehicles(LRVs), approximately 45 metres long, featuring air conditioning and accessiblelow-floordesign
• a highly reliable service with the capability to carry up to 9000 passengers per hour in each direction
• public domain improvements including paving, trees, lighting and street furniture.
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT
PROPOSAL OVERVIEW
The CSELR proposal comprises the construction and operation of a new light rail service in Sydney, including approximately 12 kilometres of new light rail track from Circular Quay to Central, Kingsford and Randwick via Surry Hills and Moore Park. The proposal includes 20 light rail stops, a pedestrian zone on George Street (between Hunter and Bathurst streets), approximately 12 substations to provide power for the light rail vehicles (LRVs), an LRV stabling facility in Randwick and a maintenance depot in Rozelle.
Key features of the proposal include:• high frequency, ‘turn up and go’ services every two to three
minutes during peak periods within the CBD with services operatingeveryfivetosixminutesbetweenMooreParkand the Randwick and Kingsford branches
This document provides an overview of the CBD and South East Light Rail (CSELR) proposal.
This document does not form part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Readers should refer to the EIS directly for comprehensive information about the proposal, potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures.
CBD and South East Light Rail
Pedestrian zone
Pyrmont Light Rail
Proposed maintenance depot
Proposed stabling
Major bus interchange
Rail interchange
Ferry interchange
KEY
Gardeners Rd
TOWNHALL
WYNYARD
REDFERN
MASCOT
MACDONALDTOWN
ERSKINEVILLE
ST PETERS
SYDENHAM
NEWTOWN
STANMORE
DOMESTICAIRPORT
INTERNATIONALAIRPORT
THEROCKS
WATERLOO
LILYFIELD
GLEBE
NEWTOWN
BALMAIN
ULTIMO
RAWSON PLACE
WORLD SQUARE
GROSVENOR STREET
Unreliabletravel times
Congestion reduces productivity and amenity
ROSEBERY
ST PETERS
THE SITUATION NOW
$1
$2 .50in economic
invested
benefits
$308 millionin environmentaland health benefits
$333 millionin benefits forpedestrians
Every
Overpublic transport
$2 Billion
GO TEAM
High capacityspecial eventservices
$707in operatingmillionsavings$264 million
in benefits forroad users
$222in wider millioneconomicbenefits
$
delivers
customersin benefits for
10,000jobscreated
services
Frequent and reliable
light rail
97% on time
$1
$2 .50in economic
invested
benefits
$308 millionin environmentaland health benefits
$333 millionin benefits forpedestrians
Every
Overpublic transport
$2 Billion
GO TEAM
High capacityspecial eventservices
$707in operatingmillionsavings$264 million
in benefits forroad users
$222in wider millioneconomicbenefits
$
delivers
customersin benefits for
10,000jobscreated
services
Frequent and reliable
light rail
97% on time
$1
$2 .50in economic
invested
benefits
$308 millionin environmentaland health benefits
$333 millionin benefits forpedestrians
Every
Overpublic transport
$2 Billion
GO TEAM
High capacityspecial eventservices
$707in operatingmillionsavings$264 million
in benefits forroad users
$222in wider millioneconomicbenefits
$
delivers
customersin benefits for
10,000jobscreated
services
Frequent and reliable
light rail
97% on time
Geo
rge
St
Ch
alm
ers
St
GREENSQUARE
SURRY HILLS
CHINATOWN
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
CBD AND SOUTH EAST LIGHT RAIL OVERVIEWCBD AND SOUTH EAST LIGHT RAIL OVERVIEW
SURRYHILLS
NS
ou
th D
ow
ling
St
Geo
rge
St
Rainbow St
Barker St
High St
Devonshire St
Ch
alm
ers
St
An
zac Pd
e
Anzac Pde
Alison Rd
NIDA
TAFE
ROYAL RANDWICK
RACECOURSE
MOORE PARK
CENTRAL
MARTIN PLACE
CIRCULAR QUAY
GREENSQUARE
KINGSCROSS
CENTENNIAL PARK
PADDINGTON
DARLINGHURST
CBD
RANDWICK
KENSINGTON
KINGSFORD
UNIVERSITY OF NSW
KINGSFORD
RANDWICK
STRACHAN STREET
TODMAN AVENUE
UNSW ANZAC PARADE
SURRY HILLS
CHINATOWN
CENTRALSTATION
TOWNHALL
WYNYARD
CIRCULAR QUAY
QUEEN VICTORIABUILDING
CARLTON STREET
ROYAL RANDWICKRACECOURSE
MOOREPARK
UNSW HIGH STREET
WANSEY ROAD
PRINCE OF WALESHOSPITAL
MOORE PARKSPORTS AND
ENTERTAINMENTPRECINCT
More reliable journeys
Reduced congestion
Reduced air pollution and noise
Widereconomic benefits
Pedestrianimprovements
Over 10,000 jobs created
$1
$2 .50
GO TEAM
$
2-3 min
$1
$2 .50
GO TEAM
$
2-3 min
$1
$2.50
GO TEAM
$
2-3 min
$1
$2 .50in economic
invested
benefits
$308 millionin environmentaland health benefits
$333 millionin benefits forpedestrians
Every
Overpublic transport
$2 Billion
GO TEAM
High capacityspecial eventservices
$707in operatingmillionsavings$264 million
in benefits forroad users
$222in wider millioneconomicbenefits
$
delivers
customersin benefits for
10,000jobscreated
services
Frequent and reliable
light rail
97% on time
$1
$2.50
GO TEAM
$
2-3 min
$BONDIJUNCTION
EDGECLIFF
$1
$2 .50in economic
invested
benefits
$308 millionin environmentaland health benefits
$333 millionin benefits forpedestrians
Every
Overpublic transport
$2 Billion
GO TEAM
High capacityspecial eventservices
$707in operatingmillionsavings$264 million
in benefits forroad users
$222in wider millioneconomicbenefits
$
delivers
customersin benefits for
10,000jobscreated
services
Frequent and reliable
light rail
97% on time
BENEFITS OF CSELR
TOWNHALL
THEROCKS
WATERLOO
GROSVENOR STREET
ROSEBERY
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
CBD AND SOUTH EAST LIGHT RAIL OVERVIEW
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Figure 1.0 CSELR meeting the transport challenge
2. Congestion is reducing Sydney’s productivity and urban amenity. Thishascreatedsignificanteconomicandsocialimpactsanda degraded environment, particularly along the George Street corridor. The CSELR will free up road capacity, transferring CBD trips from existing buses and private vehicles onto the light rail. In tandem with other Sydney bus network changes as part of the Sydney City Centre Access Strategy (SCCAS), the CSELR proposal will lead to approximately 220 fewer bus trips during the morning peak periods within the CBD.
3. The current transport system does not have the capacity to support population and economic growth. The CSELR would support future growth by improving public transport capacity, quality and reliability.
To view the SCCAS visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/sydney-city-centre-access-strategy
WHY IS THE CSELR NEEDED?
Introducing light rail in the CBD and south east will transform Sydney and provide a step change in transport capability, reliability and capacity.
The CSELR proposal is designed to address three key challenges facing the Sydney CBD and inner south east suburbs:
1. Customers are increasingly experiencing unreliable journey times. This is made worse by a confusing bus network in the South East. The CSELR would improve the reliability of travel andprovideanefficientconnectionbetweentheCBDand major trip generators in the South East suburbs. Light rail stops are proposed at Moore Park, Royal Randwick Racecourse, UNSW and adjacent to the Prince of Wales and Sydney Children’s hospitals.
PROBLEM OBJECTIVES TARGET BENEFITS
Unreliable journey times and a confusing bus
network are degrading customers’ travel
experience
Congestion is reducing Sydney’s productivity
and urban amenity
The transport system does not have the
capacity to support growth
to, from and within the CBD and suburbs to the South East
Improve access to major destinations in the South East, including Moore Park,
UNSW, Royal Randwick racecourse and Randwick health precinct
Increase the use of sustainable transport modes in the CBD and suburbs to the
South East
Improve the overall amenity of public spaces in the CBD and suburbs to the
South East
Satisfy long term travel demand between the CBD and suburbs to the South East
Customer
Operating
Broader community
Wider economic
Faster and more reliable public
transport
Reduced congestion
Pedestrian amenity
Reduced public transport costs
Environmental and health
Increased productivity
t
t
We are here
Stage 2 – Exhibition, public consultation and review•Public exhibition of the EIS – and another chance for the community to have their say by making
a formal submission on the EIS •Submissions Report responding to issues raised during the public exhibition period is prepared
Stage 3 – Assessment and determination•Department of Planning and Infrastructure consults with Government agencies and councils and prepares draft Director-General’sreportoutliningrecommendedconditionsforapprovalorrefusal
•Director-General’sreportwithrecommendationssubmittedtoMinisterforPlanningandInfrastructure•Decision by Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Haveyour say
Stage 1 – Environmental Impact Statement•StateSignificantInfrastructure(SSI)applicationlodgedwithDepartmentofPlanningandInfrastructure•DepartmentofPlanningandInfrastructureissuesDirector-General’sRequirementsfortheEIS•Community information sessions are held along the route; an opportunity for the community to have its say•The EIS is prepared
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Figure 2.0 The planning process
The EIS has been prepared to assess and document the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the CSELR and to outline proposed mitigation measures. It also documents the key features of the proposal, including the likely construction method and operation.
The EIS includes:• background information, including the need for the proposal,
strategic context and alternatives considered• description of the proposal• assessment of key environmental impacts• recommended measures to minimise and manage potential
environmental impacts.
Approval from the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructureis required before Transport for NSW can proceed with the CSELR proposal. If approved, the proposal will be constructed and operated in accordance with the mitigation measures proposed in the EIS, submissions report and any conditions of approval from the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.
HOW WAS THE PROPOSAL DEVELOPED?
The development of the CSELR proposal has taken into account issues arising from stakeholder and community consultation and the environmental investigations undertaken as part of the preparation of the EIS. The proposal was developed as part of anoptionsidentificationandassessmentprocess.Thisprocessinvolved developing and assessing the feasibility of alternative options to deliver the necessary transport system capacity within inner Sydney and the CBD.
The planning and design process is ongoing and the proposal may befurtherrefinedasaresultofsubmissionsreceivedinresponseto the public exhibition of the EIS and further consultation during detailed design.
THE PLANNING APPROVAL PROCESS
TheCSELRproposalwasdeclaredacritical‘StateSignificantInfrastructure’ project by the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure on 20 May 2013. The proposal is being assessed through an EIS prepared in accordance with Part 5.1 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Artist’s impression of light rail – Rawson Place stop
From Hunter Street to Bathurst Street, George Street would be closedtonormaltrafficandwouldbeconvertedtoaonekilometreshared pedestrian and light rail zone. Stops would be provided at Wynyard,QueenVictoriaBuildingandTownHall.East-westtrafficmovements within the pedestrianised zone would remain open. Local access to properties would be maintained as well as access for emergency vehicles.
Management of access in the pedestrian zone will be subject to further assessment by Transport for NSW and key stakeholders to address levels of access required by delivery vehicles, private vehicles accessing residences and taxis.
From Bathurst Street, the CSELR would continue south, typically providingonetrafficlaneineachdirectioninadditiontothelightrail alignment in the centre of George Street. At Rawson Place, the alignment would turn west and travel along Rawson Place and Eddy Avenue before turning south onto Chalmers Street. Two interchange stops would be provided along this section – a Rawson Place stop and a Central Station stop on Chalmers Street. Rawson Placewouldbeclosedtogeneraltraffic,providingonlybusandlight rail access.
PROPOSAL OVERVIEW
TheEIStakesaprecinct-basedapproachbecausetherouteoftheCSELR proposal will have potential impacts on six distinct local precincts: Sydney city centre, Surry Hills, Moore Park, Randwick, Kensington/Kingsford and Rozelle. Each precinct may be impacted in different ways, with some impacts being unique to a particular precinct. For full details refer to the EIS. To view the EIS and make a submission go to www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au
CITY CENTRE PRECINCT
The proposed CSELR would commence at Circular Quay along Alfred Street, which would become a pedestrianised zone. The route would travel along Alfred Street and turn south into George Street. This would require the closure of the northern end of Pitt StreetandLoftusStreettotraffic.
BetweenAlfredStreetandHunterStreettherewouldbeonetrafficlane in each direction in addition to the light rail alignment in the centreofGeorgeStreet(nosouth-boundlanewouldbeprovidedbetween Bridge Street and Hunter Street). A stop at Grosvenor Street would also be provided within this section to the south of Bridge Street.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Artist’s impression of light rail – Surry Hills stop
Between Chalmers Street and Crown Street, the route would be located on the southern side of Devonshire Street, maintaining theexistingfootpath.Thisconfigurationwouldrequiretheremovaloftheexistingwestboundtrafficlane(towardsCentralRailway Station) and adjacent car parking on the southern side of DevonshireStreet.Aoneway,eastboundtrafficlanewouldbemaintained along Devonshire Street. Between Crown Street and Bourke Street, Devonshire Street would remain as a two way street with a dedicated central light rail corridor.
SURRY HILLS PRECINCT
From Central Railway Station to Moore Park, the route would turn east from Chalmers Street and follow Devonshire Street, uphill towards a stop at Ward Park (Surry Hills stop). The route would continue east along Devonshire Street, crossing the intersection of Crown Street, travelling towards Bourke Street. After crossing Bourke Street, the CSELR would pass through Wimbo Park at the eastern end of Devonshire Street and require removal of the existing Olivia Gardens apartment complex and thecurrentLangtonCentrecarpark.Newtrafficsignalsfor cyclists and pedestrians and vehicle crossings would be provided at Marlborough Street and Bourke Street. The northern footpath along Devonshire Street would also be improved to cater for pedestrians between Moore Park and Central Railway Station. TheroutewouldthencrossSouthDowlingStreetat-gradeandthe Eastern Distributor via a new bridge structure.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Surry Hills Precinct
Potential underground substation site
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Artist’s impression of light rail – Anzac Parade
Artist’simpressionofcut-and-covertunnel
Prior to lodging the EIS, Transport for NSW asked the community to indicate their preferred option for crossing Moore Park after consideringthebenefitsandchallengesrelatingtoaviaductoracut-and-covertunnel.
Thecommunityshowedstrongsupportforthecut-and-cover tunnel.Thecut-and-covertunnelisthepreferredoption addressed in the EIS.
MOORE PARK PRECINCT
The proposed CSELR alignment would cross South Dowling Street (northbound and southbound) at street level and the Eastern Distributor via a new bridge. Following the crossing of South Dowling Street (southbound), the route would cross the existingMooreParkplayingfieldsinatunnelcontinuingunderAnzac Parade, before turning south and surfacing to the east of the existing busway. A stop at Moore Park would be provided at this location to the south of the tunnel allowing for access to the Moore Park sports stadiums, Entertainment Quarter complex and Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls High Schools.
At the intersection of Anzac Parade and Alison Road, the alignment would branch into two separate routes to Randwick and Kingsford respectively.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Crowds at Royal Randwick racecourse
western side of Wansey Road, climbing towards High Street. At High Street, the route would turn west and travel down the centre of the street. The route would then turn south at the junction with Avoca Street to a stop with a bus interchange at High Cross Park.Stops within the Randwick Precinct would be provided at Royal Randwick racecourse Wansey Road near Alison Road (Wansey Road stop), Wansey Road south near High Street (UNSW High Street stop) and in Belmore Road at High Cross Park (Randwick stop).
RANDWICK PRECINCT
At the intersection of Anzac Parade and Alison Road, the RandwickbranchoftheCSELRwouldtravelsouth-eastalongthe existing busway (to be shared by buses and LRVs) on the northern side of Alison Road between Anzac Parade and Doncaster Avenue. At Doncaster Avenue, the route would cross AlisonRoadandcontinuesouth-eastalongthesouthernsideofAlison Road adjacent to the Royal Randwick racecourse before turning right into Wansey Road. The route would travel down the
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Artist’s impression of light rail – Kingsford stop and interchange
Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). The route would travel through the mixed residential and commercial suburbs of Kensington and Kingsford connecting the town centres and providing stops at Carlton Street, Todman Avenue, the UNSW Anzac Parade, Strachan Street and Kingsford.
KENSINGTON AND KINGSFORD
The Kingsford branch of the CSELR would travel along Anzac Parade in the centre from the intersection of Anzac Parade and Alison Road, along to the existing Nine Ways roundabout at Kingsford. This route would pass several major facilities, including UNSW (main Kensington campus) and the adjacent National
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Kensington/Kingsford Precinct south
Central light rail alignment within median
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
RANDWICK STABLING FACILITY
The CSELR would include a purpose built stabling facility for the storage of light rail vehicles (LRVs) The Randwick stabling facility would be used for overnight storage of LRVs, inspection and cleaning of LRVs and for light maintenance and repair work. The proposed stabling facility would be located on a privately owned site adjacent to the Royal Randwick racecourse within the Randwick Precinct. The site is located on a parcel of land backing onto properties at the northern end of Doncaster Avenue and the western entrance to Royal Randwick racecourse. The site is currently used for informal parking and contains a number of buildings that are currently not used. These buildings would be demolished as part of the proposal.
ROZELLE LOCALITY – MAINTENANCE DEPOT
The Rozelle maintenance depot site is located in the suburb of LilyfieldandatthesiteoftheRozelleRailYards,totheeastoftheCatherineStreetroadbridgebetweenLilyfieldRoadandtheCity West Link Road and at the western end of the existing Inner West Light Rail network. CSELR would access the new light rail corridorviatheexistinglightraillinefromLilyfieldtoCentralviaPyrmont. The depot would provide facilities for maintenance of LRVs for the light rail network. It is estimated that there would be approximately four LRV movements per day into and out of the maintenance depot.
Inner West Light Rail rolling stock
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
KEY FINDINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
TheEnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS)identifiespotentialenvironmentalimpactsandbenefitsoftheCSELRduringconstructionandoperation.Itidentifiesmeasurestominimiseimpactsandenhancethebenefitsoftheproject.
ThetablebelowprovidesabriefsummaryofthekeyfindingsfromtheEIS.FormoreinformationaboutpotentialimpactsandhowTransport for NSW would work with affected stakeholders to mitigate these, refer to the EIS document in full.
Key issues Identifiedkeypotentialimpacts Key mitigation measures
Traffic and access
The CSELR will generally operate at street level and when running on existing roads, the light rail services will mainly operate in a dedicated corridor. Generaltrafficwillnot be allowed to travel in the new dedicated light rail corridor or turn across the tracks except for localtrafficaccessor at signalised intersections. This will require a number of changes to be made to the way in which the road network is designed and operated.
Operation impacts
Parking
Someon-streetparkingwillberemovedtoaccommodate the dedicated light rail corridor and to assisttrafficflow.
In most suburbs along the alignment, there is adequate parking available to absorb most spaces lost. The majority of parking alongside the Anzac Parade alignment will be removed.
Network performance
TheCSELRwillnothaveasignificantimpactontheperformance of the broader road network.
In the CBD, intersection performance may be affected along College, Elizabeth and York streets because of trafficshiftingfromGeorgeStreet.TheCBDmayalsoexperience reduced performance during the afternoon peak period; however travel speeds across the wider CSELR road network are predicted to improve.
Traffic access changes
Adjustmentstotheroadhierarchyandtrafficoperatingpatterns in the CBD and Anzac Parade and Alison Road will be made to accommodate the CSELR. Some changestoright-turnmovementswouldalsoberequired.
Capacity benefits
The CSELR will improve overall transport and pedestrian capacity – at both a local and regional scale.
Private property access
Access to private property along the alignment will be maintained, however access arrangements may be changed – especially along the George Street pedestrian zone where vehicles, other than emergency and service vehicles, will not have access.
CBD special events
Special events that typically use George Street and Circular Quay may need to use alternate routes through the CBD. Alternatively, the service may be turned back at Town Hall and Central during special events.
Operation mitigation measures
Parking strategy
The EIS includes a supporting Transport Operations Report, which details the proposed project parking strategy.
Transport for NSW and local councils will work together to manage local parking impacts.
Parking capacity may be managed using the following methods:
•Extending parking permit schemes to prioritise local residentparkingandtocaterforshort-termcommercialparking and access requirements
•Provideshort-termparkingandloadingzonesonthestreets adjacent to the alignment and local businesses
•Adjustingparkingconfiguration(suchasangledparking)to increase capacity, where possible.
Traffic and access strategies
Transport for NSW will work closely with impacted stakeholders to develop plans to manage or reduce potential project impacts. These plans would include:
•A network management plan to minimise journey time impactsandchangestotrafficcongestion
•A demand management strategy to address demand for road access during both construction and operation phases. This plan would aim to reduce peak hour traveldemandandensurenetworkefficiencyisnotcompromised
•Network optimisation strategies to identify the need fortrafficmanagementupgradestomitigatetrafficcirculation challenges
CBD special events
Transport for NSW would continue ongoing consultation with key stakeholders to manage special events along the alignment, including City of Sydney Council, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and the Returned Services League.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Key issues Identifiedkeypotentialimpacts Key mitigation measures
Traffic and access cont...
Construction impacts
Parking
On-streetparkingandloadingzonesalongthealignment will potentially be affected during construction to allow for safe worksite widths and toensurethemaximumnumberoftrafficlanes remain available.
Network changes
The CSELR requires changes to the way the road network is designed and operated. Private vehicles, bus users, pedestrians and cyclists may experience temporary diversions and restrictions during construction. These will be advised to local communities and users in advance of any changes occurring.
Some diversions to bus routes will also be required during construction.
Pedestrians and cyclists
Pedestrians and cyclists may be diverted to accommodate the safe construction of CSELR; diversions will be clearly communicated to affected users.
Pedestrian movements along existing footpaths parallel to the CSELR will be maintained most of the time during construction. Existing pedestrian crossings along the proposed route will continue to operate during construction. To maintain safety, there may be shortperiodsofpedestriandiversionduringspecificphases of construction.
Some cycle routes will be occupied by construction worksites and will need to be diverted, including along Devonshire Street, Wansey Road and Alison Road.
Access for emergency vehicles
Emergency vehicles will have access to the alignment throughout construction and operation of the CSELR. For short periods during construction there may be changes to routes used by emergency vehicles.
Special event access
Construction of CSELR will require temporary changestoset-downandpick-upareasatspecialevent venues along the alignment, including Moore Park and Royal Randwick racecourse.
Construction mitigation measures
Construction workforce parking
Parking for the construction workforce will not be provided on nearby streets. Where possible the workforce will be encouraged to use public transport and dedicated shuttle bus services from the main construction sites may be provided to minimise local parking impacts during construction.
Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)
Construction of the CSELR requires work to be undertaken adjacent to busy sites within the CBD and South East. The main emphasis in managing constructiontrafficisonminimisingtheimpacts.Transport for NSW will prepare a CEMP, which is a comprehensive document detailing ways to minimise the level of disturbance created as a result of construction to businesses, pedestrians, visitors and workers.TheCEMPwillincludeconstructiontrafficmanagement plans, a parking management plan and a construction noise and vibration management plan.
A Construction Network Management Plan (CNMP) will be prepared to identify potential impacts to the trafficnetworkandoutlinemanagementandmitigationoptions. The CNMP will address ways to minimise journey time impacts and congestion levels.
CBD special events
Transport for NSW would continue ongoing consultation with key stakeholders to manage special events along the alignment, including City of Sydney Council, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and the Returned Services League
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Key issues Identifiedkeypotentialimpacts Key mitigation measures
Land use and community
Assessments have been undertaken as part of the EIS on how the CSELR will impact the local environment, community and existing land use during construction and operation.
Operation impacts
Community values
By linking communities across the CBD and South East, the CSELR will:
•Enhance access to public spaces and community facilities
•Enhance urban connectivity and liveability
•Improve social sustainability
•Improve amenity and urban character.
Open space
CSELR will allow for the potential creation of additional community open space within and adjacent to the existing Olivia Gardens apartment complex.
Property and land use
As a result of CSLER, some private property and existing public space will be permanently lost, including space between Bourke Street and South Dowling Street, at Moore Park and at Royal Randwick racecourse.
Operation mitigation measures
Open space
Any public open space lost or impacted by the CSELR will be replaced. The replacement approach will be subject to consultation with local councils and affected landowners.
The acquisition of land between Bourke Street and South Dowling Street will create the potential to deliver new openspacethatwillbenefitthelocalcommunity.
Private property acquisition
In order to deliver the CSELR, private property needs to be acquired between Bourke Street and South Dowling Street, including the Olivia Gardens apartment complex. Private property will be acquired in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.
Construction impacts
Community values
During construction of CSELR there will be some impacts on the urban character of the spaces along the alignment, including public open spaces and access to community facilities.
Open space
The CSELR construction footprint will temporarily disrupt some open space along the route, including First Fleet Park, Moore Park, Belmore Park, Ward Park, HighCrossParkandRobertsonRoadsportsfields.
Construction mitigation measures
Consultation
Consultation will play a vital role in the construction phase of the CSELR to mitigate land use and property impacts, particularly impacts on directly affected land owners.
The detailed design of the CSELR will be undertaken in consultation with directly affected land owners. Additionally, the appropriate sequencing of construction activities will be managed to ensure that impacts on public land use are minimised.
Consultation will occur with businesses, the community and commuters advising them in advance of proposed works and any temporary access arrangements that may be required.
Consultation will also be undertaken with agencies such as utilities providers and other potential stakeholders throughout construction of the CSELR toidentifymitigationmeasures,potentialconflictsandopportunities for reducing impacts to existing land uses.
Theoverallconstructionfootprintwillberefinedduringdetailed design to identify areas where the proposal footprint can be minimised to reduce impacts on existing land uses. Detailed staging plans for the proposal will also be determined during detailed design and will aim to minimise the time that affected land uses are impacted during construction.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Key issues Identifiedkeypotentialimpacts Key mitigation measures
Noise and vibration
A detailed noise and vibration impact assessment was prepared for the CSELR EIS including:
•ambient noise surveys to determine existing noise levels
•identificationofreceptors along the alignment that are potentially sensitive to
•noise and vibration
•prediction of noise and vibration levels and impacts from the construction and operation of the light rail line.
Operation impacts
Noise and vibration
The CSELR is expected to improve the noise environmentalongtheroute.TheremovaloftrafficalongGeorge Street between Hunter Street and Bathurst Streetwillreducenoiseimpactsfromexistingtraffic.Thenoise and vibration assessment in the EIS found that there will be some localised impacts including:
•Minor noise impacts from passing light rail vehicles are predicted in the CBD and Randwick, as well as the Kensington/ Kingsford precinct
•Moderate noise impacts are predicted in the Surry Hills precinct, mainly along Devonshire Street
•Potential impacts from ground borne noise and vibrationfromlightrailvehicleshavebeenidentifiedat approximately seven sensitive locations along the route. These sites will be subject to further assessment during detailed design.
Noise levels generated by stabling and maintenance facilities,andsub-stations,arepredictedtoexceednoiselevels at certain locations without mitigation.
Operation mitigation measures
Noise and vibration
Noisefromnewfixedfacilitiesincludingstablingandmaintenance yards and electrical substations will be controlled by inclusion of shielding or enclosures to comply with the applicable noise guidelines at all locations.
The trackform will be designed to minimise noise and will be well maintained during operations. Additionally, the new light rail vehicles that will run on the CSELR will utilise best practice noise attenuation technology and will limit noise through operating practices such as minimum use of bells at night time.
Measures to minimise noise and vibration impacts from theprojectwouldbeconfirmedduringthedetaileddesignphase of the project with ongoing consultation.
Construction impacts
Noise and vibration
A noticeable level of noise will be generated during the construction of the CSELR. The noise and vibration assessment in the EIS found there will be:
•Noise impacts in all precincts, particularly during road pavement, demolition, rock breaking and night works
•Cinema and theatre buildings in some areas may be impacted by ground borne noise during quieter periods of movies or shows
•Noise impacts at night where works will be required due to potential impacts on roads
•Construction vibration impacts are not expected to damage buildings. However there is potential for ground vibration levels to exceed human comfort criteria for short durations at some locations.
Construction mitigation measures
Construction management
Where possible, construction will take place during standardconstructionhoursof7am-6pmMonday-Fridayand8am-1pmonSaturdays.Considerationwill be given to the scheduling of activities generating high noise and/or vibration levels during these hours.However,tominimisedisruptiontotrafficandbusinesses and overall safety, some works will be required on a 24 hour basis in the CBD and extended hours at night in other precincts.
At a local level, noise and vibration levels would be monitored and potentially impacted properties may be subject to condition surveys.
Construction noise mitigation
A Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) will be prepared, and it will include a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan (CNVMP). Site specificCNVMPswillbedevelopedinthedetaildesignphase.
Consultation with sensitive receivers
Ongoing consultation and collaboration with the owners and operators of vibration sensitive equipment will be required throughout the detailed design stage to achieve appropriate vibration outcomes at these facilities during construction and operation.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Key issues Identifiedkeypotentialimpacts Key mitigation measures
Planted trees and landscape
Assessments have been undertaken as part of the EIS on how the CSELR will impact the local environment during construction and operation, including tree removal, visual impact and urban design.
Operation impacts
Visual and public domain benefits
Upon completion, there will be opportunities to undertake tree planting and urban design measures to enhance the public domain in many areas, including along George Street, Devonshire Street and Wimbo Park.
Tree loss
Trees will be lost during construction of CSELR. Many ofthesetreeswillnotbere-plantedinthesamespotbecause of potential interference with the safe operation of light rail.
Operation mitigation measures
Tree replacement
Detailed landscape plans will be prepared. All trees lost willbereplacedasaminimum.Significanttreeswillbereplaced at a ratio of 8:1.
Transport for NSW will consult with local councils and other stakeholders about tree species, size and planting locations. Where practicable trees will be relocated and/orsemi-maturetreeswillbeconsideredasreplacementstoachieveimmediatevisualandpublicdomainbenefits.
Urban Design and Landscape Strategy
Transport for NSW will prepare detailed urban design strategies and plans to maximise the opportunities for improvements to public domain spaces created as part of the CSELR. Included in these considerations will betheopportunitytocombineseveralabove-groundstreetelements(lighting,trafficsignals,overheadwiring)on common use poles to reduce visual clutter and potential impacts on existing awnings and footpaths, in consultation with the City of Sydney or Randwick City Council as appropriate.
Construction impacts
Tree loss
The preliminary tree assessment found that the CSELR will result in a large number of planted trees being removed along the route, including a number of significanttreesalongAnzacParade,AlisonRoadandWansey Road. Trees will be removed to accommodate construction of the CSELR.
Thetreeassessmentidentifiestheextenttowhichpotential tree loss will occur:
•City Centre up to approximately 110 planted trees
•Surry Hills up to approximately 140 planted trees
•Moore Park up to approximately 70 planted trees
•Randwick up to approximately 280 planted trees
•Kensington/Kingsford up to approximately 160 planted trees
Construction mitigation measures
Tree replacement
See above – operation mitigation measures
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Key issues Identifiedkeypotentialimpacts Key mitigation measures
Built and non-indigenous heritage
Assessments have been undertaken as part of the EIS on how the CSELR will impact heritage areas during construction.
Construction impacts
Non-indigenous heritage
Anumberofnon-indigenousheritageitemsandheritageconservation areas will be disturbed during construction of the CSELR including temporary impacts at First Fleet Park and Moore Park due to work depots located in these areas.
Some of the trees that are proposed to be removed have heritagesignificance.
Areas of potential archaeological significance
Thedisturbancetoorlossofsignificantarchaeologicalresources may occur at some locations along the alignment. There is potential for impacts of this nature to occur along George Street, in the vicinity of Town Hall and Central, Moore Park, High Cross Park and Tay Reserve.
Construction mitigation measures
Managing heritage impacts
The construction of the CSELR will be managed to ensure that the potential heritage impacts are minimised and/or avoided through the effective mitigation measures outlined in the EIS.
Management and mitigation principles for potential impactstobuiltandnon-Indigenousheritagearchaeologyinclude:
•Consultation with heritage specialists to ensure the appropriate management of heritage items so that impacts are minimised
•Protection of sensitive features during construction
•MonitoringofspecifiedexcavationworksbyanExcavation Director in close consultation with the NSW Heritage branch
•Heritage inductions for all contractors advising and informing them of the archaeological potential and protocols in the event that any unexpected remains are located.
The detailed design of the CSELR will aim to retain significantheritagelistedtreesalongtheroute,wherefeasiblewithoutcompromisingrailsafety.Specificmitigationmeasuresidentifiedforbuiltandlandscapeheritage items have been developed for each precinct.
Socio-economic
The EIS outlines how the CSELR will provide economic benefitsinthelongterm, as well as outliningthesocio-economic impacts that will be experienced during construction.
Operation impacts
Social benefits and impacts
Localsocialbenefitsinclude:
•Increased access to local businesses, shops and services
•Improved pedestrian access and visibility in the George Street pedestrian zone
Local social impacts include
•Changes to amenity and character of Wansey and Alison roads
•Community and cultural impacts at High Cross Park and at the Kingsford stop.
CSELR will generate employment opportunities duringbothconstructionandon-goingoperation;withimmediateandflow-onsocio-economicbenefitsforthecommunity.
CSELR will be designed to promote interaction with, and facilitate access to/from, neighbouring areas.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Key issues Identifiedkeypotentialimpacts Key mitigation measures
Socio-economic cont...
Local economic benefits
Several precincts, including the City Centre, Moore Park and Randwick, will experience positive economic benefitssuchasincreasedbusinessactivityandopportunities for urban renewal including those associated with the Randwick Urban Activation Precinct (UAP).
Local economic impacts
Permanent loss of parking in the Kensington/Kingsford precinct will have a moderate economic impact in the local area; the extent of the impact may be offset by theaccessibilitybenefitsofCSELR.
Construction impacts
Local socio-economic impacts
Socio-economicimpactsarepredictedduringconstruction in some areas along the alignment.
Construction impacts such as noise, dust, potential loss of business trade due to parking and access interruptionsmaycontributetosocio-economicimpacts.
CSELR will generate employment opportunities duringbothconstructionandon-goingoperation;withimmediateandflow-onsocio-economicbenefitsforthecommunity.
Local economic impacts
Potential economic impacts are predicted in relation to the loss of parking during construction in the Kensington/ Kingsford Precinct. Impacts could extend to George Street as a result of reduced pedestrian movement in the area during construction
Construction mitigation measures
Construction strategies
Transport for NSW will work closely with impacted stakeholders to develop ways to mitigate and manage socio-economicimpacts.Aseriesofplanswillbeprepared to manage the construction of CSELR and to addresssocio-economicimpacts,including:
•Access management plans, prepared in conjunction with affected businesses and landowners, to ensure servicing and delivery requirements can be met throughout construction and operation of the CSELR
•Accessplanstoensurethecommunityhason-goingpublic access, via diversions, to community facilities in the Rocks, Belmore Park, the Sydney Dental Hospital and other areas as required
•Business and Landowner Engagement and Management Plan to support the strategies in the access management plans, and outline how businesses will be communicated with and supported throughout construction.
Cumulative impacts
The EIS considered the impacts of the CSELR in relation to other major proposed developments along the alignment.
Operation impacts
Cumulative impacts
Sydney is undergoing several concurrent improvements. The redesign of the Sydney bus network around light rail stops that will include bus interchange facilities, as well as changes to the road network due to the Sydney City Centre Access Strategy (SCCAS) will contribute to the cumulative impact in the CBD.
Potential cumulative noise and visual impacts at the Rozelle maintenance depot locality with the Inner West Light Rail Extension project will be taken into consideration as part of the detailed design.
Operation mitigation measures
Delivering cumulative benefits
Changestobusnetworksandreconfigurationstotransport and access in the CBD associated with the SCCAS will be integrated with the CSELR to ensure optimal transport, access and amenity.
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
Key issues Identifiedkeypotentialimpacts Key mitigation measures
Cumulative impacts cont...
Construction impacts
Cumulative impacts
There is potential for cumulative construction impacts to be experienced in the City Centre and Randwick precincts due to the concentration of major projects in these areas such as Barangaroo, Sydney International Conference, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) redevelopment and Prince of Wales hospital works.
Construction mitigation measures
Coordinated construction activity
The potential cumulative construction impacts will be further considered as the detailed design and construction plans are developed.
Transport for NSW will coordinate activities with other major projects to minimise potential cumulative impacts. Construction management plans will incorporate measures, where required, to manage cumulative construction impacts.
Other environmental impacts
Operation and construction
Other potential impacts such as Aboriginal heritage, biodiversity, air quality, contamination, utilities and greenhouse gases were assessed in EIS; however, thesearenotconsideredtohavepotentiallysignificantimpacts – recognising the proposed application of construction management and mitigation measures.
Operation and construction
Appropriate mitigation and management measures will be implementedtomanageanyidentifiedimpacts.
This document, including the table above, provides an overview of the CBD and South East Light Rail (CSELR) proposal. This document does not form part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Readers should refer to the EIS directly for comprehensive information about the proposal, potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures.
To view the EIS and make a submission go to www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au
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CSELR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OVERVIEW
NEXT STEPS
EXHIBITION OF THE EIS
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure will place the EIS on public exhibition between 14 November and 16 December 2013.
HOW TO MAKE A SUBMISSION
As part of the EIS assessment process, you are encouraged to make a formal submission to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure between 14 November and 16 December 2013.
To view the EIS and make a submission go towww.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au
All submissions must be received by 16 December 2013
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS
IfyouwouldliketofindoutmoreaboutCSELR,theprojectteamwill be available to discuss the EIS and answer questions at the followingdrop-incommunityinformationsessions:
Eastern Suburbs Masonic Centre199 Anzac Parade, KensingtonSaturday 23 November, 10am – 2pm
State LibraryMacquarie Street, SydneyTuesday 26 November, 4pm – 8pm
Randwick Town HallCorner Avoca and Frances streets, RandwickSaturday 30 November, 10am – 2pm
Sydney Boys High SchoolGate 9, Anzac Parade, Moore ParkThursday 5 December, 4pm – 8pm
Surry Hills Library405 Crown Street, Surry HillsTuesday 10 December, 4pm – 8pm
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
A comprehensive stakeholder and community consultation program is underway to inform residents and businesses about the CSELR, the planning approval process and to how to provide feedback.
The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure will review the EIS, the submissions report and submissions received during the public exhibition period, prior to making a recommendation to the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.
Project determination will be at the discretion of the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. If the CSELR proposal is approved, the project will be constructed and operated in accordance with the EIS, the submissions report, and any conditions of approval issued by the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.
If approved, Transport for NSW will keep the community informed of the project’s progress through project updates, letterboxnotifications,theprojectwebsiteandnoticesinlocalnewspapers. A construction environment management plan wouldbedevelopedpriortothestartofconstructiontodefinethe management measures to mitigate impacts.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information you can:
• visit the project website at www.transport.nsw gov.au/projects
• call the project infoline on 1800 684 490
• email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au.