SUBMISSION ON THE BAYS PRECINCT REPORT ON CONSULTATION

FEBRUARY 2011

SUBMISSION ON THE BAYS PRECINCT Infrastructure Partnerships Australia is REPORT ON CONSULTATION 2011 a national forum, comprising public and private sector CEO M embers, advocating the public policy interests of Australia’s infrastructure industry .

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

BRENDAN LYON ERIC MILLER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TRANSPORT POLICY OFFICER INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS AUSTRALIA INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS AUSTRALIA Level 8, 8-10 Loftus Street, NSW 2000 Level 8, 8-10 Loftus Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box R1804, Royal Exchange NSW 1225 PO Box R1804, Royal Exchange NSW 1225 P | 02 9240 2051 P | 02 9240 2062 E | [email protected] E | [email protected]

SUBMISSION ON THE BAYS PRECINCT REPORT ON CONSULTATION 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA) is pleased to provide this submission to Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority in response to ‘Report on Outcomes: Stage 1 Consultation Process February 2011’.

IPA supports the planning principles that have resulted from the first phase of consultation on the Bays Precinct and looks forward to seeing them implemented during Stage 2 and into the future.

IPA particularly supports the position on the Rozelle Rail Yards – the yards should remain reserved for future transport infrastructure is vital to Sydney’s future public transport provision.

Much of the Bays Precinct will be utilised for mixed land-use such as residential, commercial and open space. However, the decision to set aside potential transport and infrastructure corridors and bases, including the rail yards at Rozelle and possible ferry infrastructure at White Bay and , demonstrates a coordinated strategic approach to land-use planning - an approach that has been lacking in NSW’s recent history.

Preserving future corridors for infrastructure is of paramount importance. Many of the transport links we take for granted in Sydney, such as the M7, were only possible because they were planned many years ago, and land for them set aside decades ago. It is critical we preserve land for future transport infrastructure in inner-Sydney.

The strategic importance of the Bays Precinct is undeniable. Lying just 2 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD, and holding claim to being the last deepwater berthing area in Sydney Harbour under NSW Government ownership and control, the precinct can and should play an integral role in Sydney’s future transport infrastructure provision.

As an all encompassing report of land use and transport possibilities in the Bays Precinct, the report demonstrates an integrated approach to planning that will be required in order to derive the greatest value and benefit from this region.

SUBMISSION ON THE BAYS PRECINCT REPORT ON CONSULTATION 2011

Preserving corridors for future infrastructure

Over the coming years and decades, Sydney faces considerable challenges. The predicted rise in population, to an estimated six million in 2036, is chief amongst these. With this growth will come the need to provide new places to reside and new areas for business and commerce. Importantly, transport infrastructure and networks will need to improve and expand to meet the demands of the burgeoning city.

The importance of integrating transport and land use planning cannot be overstated. The development of land has inevitable impacts on the transport requirements of the surrounding regions. A long-term integrated approach to land use planning and infrastructure provision is a vital tool for not only meeting this challenge but reaffirming Sydney’s position in the global marketplace.

Transport infrastructure provision in Sydney in the recent past has suffered as a result of changing priorities and uncertainty in funding and planning. A challenge has been the disconnection between land use decisions, transport infrastructure provision and population growth.

Possibilities for Rozelle Rail Yards

The 19 hectares of unused rail yards at Rozelle present a range of possible future uses for transport infrastructure. Its close proximity to the Sydney CBD and growth areas of Sydney’s Inner-West makes it a crucial piece of land that can play a very important role in shaping Sydney’s growth and development.

As mentioned in the report, the rail yards were the proposed site of a station for the now shelved project.

While there may not be a call to use the rail yards as part of a new rail project in the immediate future, Metro will likely play a major role in the public transport system of Sydney in the longer term, and it is vital the yards be preserved for this purpose. With no other equally viable inner city alternative, it is imperative the Rozelle Rail Yards are used in a way that derives the maximum benefit to the people of Sydney. Poor, short term decision making now can lead to unrecoverable problems in the future when a mass transit system is needed.

SUBMISSION ON THE BAYS PRECINCT REPORT ON CONSULTATION 2011

Figure 1: Map of Rozelle Rail Yards and edge of the Bays Precinct (in orange)

Source: Hassell and Cox, Master Planning & Urban Design: Rozelle Depot

Other Transport Issues

The Bays Precinct, being the last deepwater berthing area under State ownership and control, presents an opportunity to expand and improve Sydney’s ferry services and commercial maritime operations without the difficult task of acquiring land. Like the Rozelle Rail yards the best use of the waterfront land may not yet be clear, but the option to develop transport infrastructure on such land should not be ruled out.

Any future development of the Bays Precinct – residential, commercial or otherwise – will undoubtedly increase traffic demand to the already congested , Victoria Road and City West Link. Careful consideration will be required as to how any development in the precinct will impact on surrounding transport infrastructure.

In addition, any proposal for the reopening and use of the old must be carefully balanced with the current or future need for larger vessels to enter Rozelle and Blackwattle Bay. This applies to both private superyachts, and commercial and passenger vessels.

SUBMISSION ON THE BAYS PRECINCT REPORT ON CONSULTATION 2011

The Bays Precinct is a substantial site in the inner city, and it is essential that any future land use or transport policies set Sydney on a path to a more sustainable future. The only way to achieve this is through sound decision-making backed by long term, strategically coordinated planning of land-use and transport infrastructure. New developments should be accompanied by viable transport plans that not just preserve the status quo but provide improvements to Sydney’s way of life and competitiveness as a global city.

The planning principles of the Bays Precinct report are welcome, and are supported by the infrastructure sector.

We thank you for the opportunity to submit and would welcome the opportunity to make further comments, if required. Please contact IPA’s transport policy officer, Eric Miller on (02) 9240-2062 or at [email protected]

SUBMISSION ON THE BAYS PRECINCT REPORT ON CONSULTATION 2011

Infrastructure Partnerships Australia A division of Advocacy Services Australia Limited Level 8, 8-10 Loftus Street, Sydney NSW 2000 T: 02 9240 2050 F: 02 9240 2055 E: [email protected] www.infrastructure.org.au