Every tree proposed for removal as part of a planned cycleway between Kingsford and South Coogee will be reviewed and alternative design options considered to retain as many as possible as part of the next stage of the project, Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said today, 6 December 2018.

The proposed 1.9km separated cycleway and streetscape upgrade along Bundock and Sturt Streets is proposed to link up with the light rail terminal at Kingsford and connect with another proposed cycleway to continue north along Houston Rd and Doncaster Ave to Centennial Park and on to the city.

Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said the Council conducted extensive community consultation over four weeks including door-knocking every property along the route, writing to property owners and widely exhibiting the plans.

“Trees are critically important for us as a Council and that’s why we went out to the community with a number of options for feedback,” Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said.

“I’d like to thank everybody who took the time to have their say on the important project. Council staff are reviewing the 790 submissions received during the consultation which closed on 23 November 2018. However it’s clear that amongst a range of issues, saving trees is a priority.

“The next stage of the design process involves engaging an independent arborist who will assess each tree proposed for removal so we can consider health, species, age and significance.

“Not every tree proposed for removal is significant. Some are very young, some are in poor health and at least one is dead. The arborist report will assist us in determining the significant trees so we can consider potential design alternatives to deliver a cycleway and retain trees,” Mayor Neilson said.

Randwick Council released two options for the cycleway. One option would see the removal of 129 onstreet parking spaces and 37 trees. While an alternative option would result in 30 trees being removed and 172 parking spaces. The second option involves zero tree removal along Bundock Street between Avoca and Canberra Streets. In both options, 60 advanced new trees would be planted to offset the loss.

“There’s some misinformation in the community about the proposal and this hasn’t been helped by orange ribbons tied around trees not proposed for removal. We want to have a genuine conversation with the community but it needs to be based on information. To assist the community to have all the information the arborist report will be publicly released early in 2019. Then we will explore potential design alternatives to save as many significant trees as possible,” Mayor Neilson said.

Further information on the cycleway project is available on the Your Say Randwick website.