Questions & Answers

There is no assurance given in the proposal that Leichhardt residents will enjoy a better bus service as a result of this development. This was also the case with the previous proposal.

How many buses are expected to use the proposed new access road onto Balmain Road opposite Charlotte Street?

The proposed road will carry 80 per cent of buses currently parked at the depot. According to current bus movements, this means that around 30 buses will exit the depot onto Balmain Road between 6.30am and 7.30am. A similar number will use the road to leave the depot between 3.00pm and 4.00pm. More than 20 buses per hour will return to the depot using the proposed new road between 9.00am and 10.00am and again between 6.00pm and 7.00pm.

Is there a curfew proposed for the buses, as is currently the case for aircraft?

No. It is expected that buses will use the entrance as late at 2.00am and as early as 4.00am.

Does this development affect the playing field proposal for Leichhardt High School?

Residents opposed to the development of the bus depot fully support the proposal for the new school playing field. We accept that the development of the playing field creates an access challenge for the bus depot, but are opposed to the "band-aid" solution proposed. The most responsible solution is to relocate the entire depot. This would have the added benefit of less noise and pollution in the vicinity of the school, playing field and surrounding residences.

Where can the depot move to?

The State Government has already earmarked the railway cutting in Rozelle (near the Metro Light Rail station) as the preferred site. Residents opposed to the current proposal support the moving of the depot to the railway cutting. Another option would be to move the depot to the north-west corner of the current site, with access leading directly to the City West Link. None of these options are mentioned in the Application or supporting documentation recieved by Council.

How does the building of the access road result in an expansion of the depot?

The Development Application for the new access road is "Stage 1" of a longer term plan to expand the depot from 80 to 130 buses. The construction of the access road will render the remaining land between it and the proposed playing field useless for any other purpose apart from the parking of buses. Clearly, this proposal to build a new access road is the State Government's first step in achieving its real goal of expanding the bus depot.

Who will be most affected if the proposal is successful?

Residents along Balmain Road and those in Alfred Street and Charlotte Street will be subjected to more traffic noise, pollution and all-night flood lighting. Residents in Charlotte Street will have to negotiate turning and waiting buses when leaving or entering Charlotte Street. Being a no through road, Charlotte Street residents will have no choice but to exit their street passing the depot entrance.

Does the proposal make good planning sense?

Any industrial development proposed in the vicinity of residences, a school or associated amenities is just plain irresponsible. It is indicative of shortsighted and careless urban development.

<%counter digits=5%>