Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2

Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to make a submission on the proposed Parramatta LightRail Stage2.
I have tried the Portal on your Website but it does not accept my Passwords.

I have 2 comments to make.
1) The line along Victoria Rd should be extended and diverted via tWest Ryde Station to make an interchange with the Northern Train Line. Presently Ermington Residents have access to West Ryde shops and Station.
2) A connection should be made at Camellia with the Parramatta to Wynyard Metro. A new Metro Station should be constructed near Camellia.
Also a LightRail stop near Rosehill Racecourse.

Please include this email in your Submissions to the Parramatta LightRail No2.

Yours Sincerely
Peter Dempster
Secretary NSW Commuter Council

see attached

see attached

SUBMISSION:

Re., Feedback on the EIS for the Parramatta Light Rail Project and impacts on boating access to Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour
I am concerned:
* the NSW Government has ignored concerns raised by the Boating Industry Association more than a year ago regarding significant impacts on access to the waterways and Sydney Harbour;
* the EIS describes the reduced access to the waterways as delivering social disruption, stress, along with damage to health and wellbeing ... without appropriate solutions to this social (and economic) disruption;
* the State Government in the EIS acknowledges Future Transport as a guiding strategy for the project but this appears to be lip services as there is no indication of a well-considered package of alternatives and or solutions to the potential disruption and fails to meet the goal of 'improving access for all boaters on the State's waterways'; furthermore, the EIS indicates there could be a net loss of trailerboat access/ parking post project completion.
* The NSW Government will:
* prevent people for approximately three years from accessing the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour at a safe, convenient and accessible location designed and built for that purpose;
* force people to use Rhodes or Kissing Point which have insufficient trailer parking to accommodate the additional of usage flowing from Ermington;
* force people to tow further afield adding to congestion, stress, access and parking issues elsewhere;
* force people into already pressure areas for example Kissing Point which has an adjacent park that can lead to a number of single cars taking up available slots for activities to do not involve launching or retrieving a boat, which is the purpose of the facility; and
* permanently reduce the available access and parking at Ermington Boat Ramp post construction for an 'operational building' in a valuable waterfront location.

* The NSW Government has not provided appropriate solutions or alternatives for people in Western Sydney and surrounding areas for having their access cut off for three years to what is the finest harbour in the world. This is compounded by the EIS which states: 'However, most users are expected to adapt and move to other areas on the river further from construction activities, which would reduce the intensity of impacts.'
* Unfortunately, this suggests the tactic is to wait for the boating public to give up thereby negating the level of concern by the NSW Government.
* The NSW Government is going to disrupt public amenity and access so that a construction company can have accommodations and carparking on public lands which were designated for public use with facilities designed and built by the waterfront to provide people with access to the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour.

The Ermington Boat Ramp has high value to industry and boating public who reside within 45 minutes (or more) from this access point to the key waterways of Sydney and Sydney Harbour itself. The demographic impact includes, but not limited to, people of Western Sydney. The ramp is the one of the best in Sydney to access the waterways of Sydney Harbour. The variety of boats include motorboats, row boats, paddle craft and sailing craft. Many of these participate in fishing.

The EIS Social Impact Statements continues: 'Construction of the bridge between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point would take place adjacent to the Ermington Boat Ramp, which would be closed for up to three years. During this time, recreational users would need to access Parramatta River from other nearby boat ramps. The closest alternate ramps are:

* Silverwater Boat Ramp - located in Silverwater around five kilometres or eight minutes' drive

* Rhodes Boat Ramp - located in Rhodes around five kilometres or ten minutes' drive

* Kissing Point Park Boat Ramp - located in Putney around six kilometres or 15 minutes' drive.

However, Silverwater Boat Ramp would not be able to be used to access areas of Parramatta River downstream of Wentworth Point for a period of up to three months when the navigation channel is closed for construction of the bridge between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. During this period, the Rhodes or Kissing Point Park boat ramps (or those further east toward Sydney Harbour) would need to be used.

None of these boat ramps have the same level of parking provisions as the Ermington Boat Ramp, which has 52 boat trailer car parking spaces, and 62 spots in total. The car park at Ermington Boat Ramp would be reinstated following construction, however the presence of the project's operational infrastructure has the potential to result in a permanent reduction of about 10 boat trailer parking spaces. This reduction in trailer parking may inconvenience users and could deter some users from participating in recreational boating and water sports at this location, which was raised by some social impact survey respondents as a concern.

The reduction in boat trailer parking at the ramp has the potential increase the overflow parking activity in surrounding local streets, which could increase existing amenity issues. Reduced participation in boating and recreational activities could impact quality of life and wellbeing for some. Increased use of the Silverwater, Rhodes and Kissing Point Park boat ramps could result in increased traffic congestion and reduced availability of parking spaces, which may inconvenience other users and decrease pedestrian safety.

Ermington Boat Ramp services a large proportion of recreational and boat-based fishers from an area 45in drive (or more) away. If the boating public were to lose access to the Ermington/Wharf Road Boat Ramp, the other ramps upriver could not sustain the increased numbers nor have the facilities to offer. To highlight the concerns, it is not uncommon at this ramp to wait up to 30 mins to launch/ retrieve your boat due to its popularity.

Ermington/Wharf Rd Boat Ramp has the ability to park 53 cars and trailers in marked bays, with the further ability to park another 20-25 on surrounding grass areas. During popular times, on weekends and during midweek, it is common to see overflow parking from the boat ramp into the surrounding residential streets. This ramp also has the ability to launch and retrieve three vessels at a time. It has a toilet facility, a fish cleaning facility and a generous floating pontoon area for safe access to less experienced operators.

The EIS states the Project references key state significant government strategies which includes Future Transport Strategy C4.8 Create safer waterway access and infrastructure.

Under this 'strategic direction' endorsed by the Minister, where C stands for Connecting our Customers, the commitment is as follows: The NSW Government is committed to improving access for all boaters on the State's waterways. We have already made significant investments to improve boating access, infrastructure and amenities, dredge navigable waterways and install navigation aids. We will continue to deliver in these areas through programs such as the Maritime Infrastructure Stimulus and Boating Now programs. We will also activate maritime and foreshore precincts to attract more visitors and private investment. The NSW Government also has a role in balancing the increasing demand for on-water storage, with the impacts of moorings on the environment. We must also ensure people have safe and responsible access to the water.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Project Team (NSW Government & Contract Builder) note the above and for the duration of the construction period impacting Ermington Boat Ramp to deliver the following:

1. to not close Ermington Boat Ramp for the duration of the construction period which could be approximately three years;
2. if absolutely necessary, to not totally close Ermington Boat Ramp for the duration of the construction period;

a. for example to provide managed access for vehicles towing or carrying boats in order to continue to support access the waterway and Sydney Harbour

3. to not disenfranchise the public and restrict access to the waterway and Sydney Harbour, in order for the Ermington Boat Ramp site to accommodate project site sheds or offices, and or project car parking at a high-value waterfront location;

a. if such operational occupation is needed, use a site of less public amenity and public value by the waterfront;

4. to ensure alternative and adequate launching facilities are identified that can accommodate the range of vessel types, with appropriate access and parking space
5. to ensure there are appropriate traffic management plans in place at Ermington Boat Ramp and any alternate boat ramps which incorporate the following:

a. access and parking appropriate to accommodate increased use due to restrictions at Ermington Boat Ramp
b. an appropriate funded and sustained education campaign to raise awareness amongst the impacted public
c. an appropriate compliance approach which enables people to access and park in and around these sites

6. that if the closure regrettably proceeds, Transport for NSW (the regulator for vehicles, vessels and trailers) provides owners of registered boats within a 60min drive of Ermington Boat Ramp with the following:

a. 50% discount on registration fees
b. 50% discount on licence fees

50% discount on any Tolls accumulated in using alternate ramps to access the waterway and Sydney Harbour.

Kind regards
Lorraine Yates

see attached

1) At Camellia, the interface between the Stage 1 and Stage 2 routes is poorly designed. The Sandown Boulevard stop should be moved west, just past the junction, to allow cross-platform transfer between the two branches. ALthough I recognise that patronage between these two branches may be expected to be moderate, it is still a hugely wasted opportunity to make transferring passengers leave one stop, walk along footpaths and cross streets in all weather to the other branch platform, when the platform could be simply moved further west along the shared section to facilitate this kind of transfer. Please reconsider this.

2) Corridors 4 or 5 to connect to Lidcombe Station or Homebush/Strathfield Station should be reconsidered, particularly the extension of corridor 5 to Strathfield station, which must be considered rather than Homebush, only a short distance further with much better amenity. Connecting to Strathfield enable direct interchange with most Sydney Trains express services and NSW Trains intercity lines, greatly reducing travel times. It will allow Wentworth Park and other connected suburbs to have better connectivity to the Sydney Trains network without adding a second transfer (since Sydney Olympic Park services are shuttles to Lidcombe most of the time). It will also allow alternative connection options during events at SOP, to supplement the Olympic Park Sprint line with Strathfield connectivity, particularly for smaller events where Sydney Trains' operation of through services to SOP station are not warranted.

3) In regards to light rail technology, please consider whatever options are necessary to avoid delays at stations for charging. The Newcastle design is horrible and makes the system unviable. Use the latest vehicle designs with sufficient on board battery capacity so that charging at stations will not be required. This should be possible with current technology and this continues to improve. If not, reduce wirefree sections to the minimum possible.

4) Ensure that the highest level of traffic signal priority is installed at all at-grade intersections in order to minimise running time. Learn from mistakes on the City L2/L3 lines where delays in implementing signal priority led to a poor reputation for slow ontime running.

5) Section 6.5.2 - Bridge over Silverwater Road - Please ensure the final design of the active transport links is arranged in a way that minimises unnecessary backtracking for users.

6) 6.7.2. Stabling and maintenance facility . The staff car park should not be increased in size as staff will now have access to travel to the site via light rail. If the project is fulfilling its purpose and converting vehicle usage to public transport usage, so many car spaces should not be required.

7) 6.9.2. Residual land - this should be retained as public open space as much as possible.

Thank you,

SUBMISSION:
Re., Feedback on the EIS for the Parramatta Light Rail Project and impacts on boating access to Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour
We are concerned:
• The NSW Government has ignored concerns raised by the Boating Industry Association more than a year ago regarding significant impacts on access to the waterways and Sydney Harbour;
• the EIS describes the reduced access to the waterways as delivering social disruption and stress, along with damage to health and well-being… without appropriate solutions to this social (and economic) disruption;
• the State Government in the EIS acknowledges Future Transport as a guiding strategy for the project, but this appears to be lip services as there is no indication of a well-considered package of alternatives and or solutions to the potential disruption and fails to meet the goal of ‘improving access for all boaters on the State’s waterways’; furthermore, the EIS indicates there could be a net loss of trailer boat access/ parking post project completion.
• The NSW Government will:
o Prevent people for approximately three years from accessing the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour at a safe, convenient and accessible location designed and built for that purpose;
o force people to use Rhodes or Kissing Point, which have insufficient trailer parking to accommodate the addition of usage flowing from Ermington;
o force people to tow further afield, adding to congestion, stress, access and parking issues elsewhere;
o force people into already pressure areas, for example, Kissing Point, which has an adjacent park that can lead to a number of single cars taking up available slots for activities to do not involve launching or retrieving a boat, which is the purpose of the facility; and
o permanently reduce the available access and parking at Ermington Boat Ramp post construction for an ‘operational building’ in a valuable waterfront location.
• The NSW Government has not provided appropriate solutions or alternatives for people in Western Sydney and surrounding areas for cutting their access off for three years to what is the finest harbour in the world. This is compounded by the EIS, which states: ‘However, most users are expected to adapt and move to other areas on the river further from construction activities, which would reduce the intensity of impacts.’
o Unfortunately, this suggests the tactic is to wait for the boating public to give up, thereby negating the level of concern by the NSW Government.
• The NSW Government is going to disrupt public amenity and access so that a construction company can have accommodations and car parking on public lands which were designated for public use with facilities designed and built by the waterfront to provide people with access to the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour.
The Ermington Boat Ramp has high value to industry and the boating public who reside within 45 minutes (or more) from this access point to the key waterways of Sydney and Sydney Harbour itself. The demographic impact includes, but not limited to, people of Western Sydney. The ramp is one of the best in Sydney to access the waterways of Sydney Harbour. The variety of boats includes motorboats, row boats, paddle craft and sailing craft. Many of these participate in fishing.
The EIS Social Impact Statements continues: ‘Construction of the bridge between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point would take place adjacent to the Ermington Boat Ramp, which would be closed for up to three years. During this time, recreational users would need to access Parramatta River from other nearby boat ramps. The closest alternate ramps are:
• Silverwater Boat Ramp – located in Silverwater, around five kilometres or eight minutes’ drive
• Rhodes Boat Ramp – located in Rhodes, around five kilometres or ten minutes’ drive
• Kissing Point Park Boat Ramp – located in Putney, around six kilometres or 15 minutes' drive.
However, Silverwater Boat Ramp would not be able to be used to access areas of Parramatta River downstream of Wentworth Point for a period of up to three months when the navigation channel is closed for construction of the bridge between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. During this period, the Rhodes or Kissing Point Park boat ramps (or those further east toward Sydney Harbour) would need to be used.
None of these boat ramps have the same level of parking provisions as the Ermington Boat Ramp, which has 52 boat trailer car parking spaces, and 62 spots in total. The car park at Ermington Boat Ramp would be reinstated following construction, however, the presence of the project’s operational infrastructure has the potential to result in a permanent reduction of about 10 boat trailer parking spaces. This reduction in trailer parking may inconvenience users and could deter some users from participating in recreational boating and water sports at this location, which was raised by some social impact survey respondents as a concern.
The reduction in boat trailer parking at the ramp has the potential to increase the overflow parking activity in surrounding local streets, which could increase existing amenity issues. Reduced participation in boating and recreational activities could impact the quality of life and well-being for some. Increased use of the Silverwater, Rhodes and Kissing Point Park boat ramps could result in increased traffic congestion and reduced availability of parking spaces, which may inconvenience other users and decrease pedestrian safety.

Ermington Boat Ramp services a large proportion of recreational and boat-based fishers from an area 45 min drive (or more) away. If the boating public were to lose access to the Ermington/Wharf Road Boat Ramp, the other ramps upriver could not sustain the increased numbers nor have the facilities to offer. To highlight the concerns, it is not uncommon at this ramp to wait up to 30 mins to launch/ retrieve your boat due to its popularity.
Ermington/Wharf Rd Boat Ramp has the ability to park 53 cars and trailers in marked bays, with the further ability to park another 20-25 on surrounding grass areas. During popular times, on weekends and during midweek, it is common to see overflow parking from the boat ramp into the surrounding residential streets. This ramp also has the ability to launch and retrieve three vessels at a time. It has a toilet facility, a fish cleaning facility and a generous floating pontoon area for safe access to less experienced operators.
The EIS states the Project references key state significant government strategies, which includes Future Transport Strategy C4.8 Create safer waterway access and infrastructure.
Under this ‘strategic direction’ endorsed by the Minister, where C stands for Connecting our Customers, the commitment is as follows: The NSW Government is committed to improving access for all boaters on the State’s waterways. We have already made significant investments to improve boating access, infrastructure and amenities, dredge navigable waterways and install navigation aids. We will continue to deliver in these areas through programs such as the Maritime Infrastructure Stimulus and Boating Now programs. We will also activate maritime and foreshore precincts to attract more visitors and private investment. The NSW Government also has a role in balancing the increasing demand for on-water storage with the impacts of moorings on the environment. We must also ensure people have safe and responsible access to the water.

RECOMMENDATION:
That the Project Team (NSW Government & Contract Builder) note the above and for the duration of the construction period impacting Ermington Boat Ramp to deliver the following:
1. to not close Ermington Boat Ramp for the duration of the construction period, which could be approximately three years;
2. if absolutely necessary, to not totally close Ermington Boat Ramp for the duration of the construction period;
a. for example, to provide managed access for vehicles towing or carrying boats in order to continue to support access to the waterway and Sydney Harbour
3. to not disenfranchise the public and restrict access to the waterway and Sydney Harbour in order for the Ermington Boat Ramp site to accommodate project site sheds or offices and or project car parking at a high-value waterfront location;
a. if such operational occupation is needed, use a site of less public amenity and public value by the waterfront;
4. to ensure alternative and adequate launching facilities are identified that can accommodate the range of vessel types, with appropriate access and parking space
5. to ensure there are appropriate traffic management plans in place at Ermington Boat Ramp and any alternate boat ramps which incorporate the following:
a. access and parking appropriate to accommodate increased use due to restrictions at Ermington Boat Ramp
b. an appropriate funded and sustained education campaign to raise awareness amongst the impacted public
c. an appropriate compliance approach that enables people to access and park in and around these sites
6. That if the closure regrettably proceeds, Transport for NSW (the regulator for vehicles, vessels and trailers) provides owners of registered boats within a 60min drive of Ermington Boat Ramp with the following:
a. 50% discount on registration fees
b. 50% discount on licence fees
50% discount on any Tolls accumulated in using alternate ramps to access the waterway and Sydney Harbour

See attached PDF

I am a resident of Boronia Street, Ermington and the amenity of my and my fellow residents home life will be seriously affected by the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2. Please refer to the attached document, thank you.

Please refer to the attached submission

I had a meeting with two people from the NSW Transport department who came to my house to attempt to explain this project, however their information was very very limited and they could not provide answers to my questions. I requested documents regarding the project for more information however they were also not able to provide this. What I did get from them is that my property will be heavily affected by this project, as they described the front of my house will be obstructed by the project not only during construction but immensely apon completion. This means that there will be no access to the driveway and garage for a house that has 5 cars and is greatly necessary — rendering the value of the house dramatically low.

It is unacceptable to close the boat ramp or deny access to any users of the waterways. Boat owners pay licence fees that fund these boat ramps and they are not to be used as staging depots to build projects like this unless suitable and equal facilities are provided in the immediate area. It is unacceptable that boaters from western Sydney and the local area who use the ramp will be forced to keep their families at home because of a distinct lack of facilities and major over crowding in the area. The claim that they can use other ramps is ridiculous due to already overcrowded and insufficient parking at these alternative ramps, The statement "Construction of the bridges over the Parramatta River would result in the closure of car parking areas at
Rydalmere Wharf and Ermington Boat Ramp, which would be used as construction compounds for about
three years. While Rydalmere Wharf would remain operational for most of the bridge construction period,
Ermington Boat Ramp would be closed for up to three years. During this period, the Silverwater, Rhodes, or
Kissing Point Park boat ramps (or those further east toward Sydney Harbour) would need to be used" is unrealistic and is made with a complete lack of local knowledge or intended to mislead. Any closures to any boat ramp in the area is not acceptable.

1). Wentworth Point suburb is full of buildings and very little green space, therefore green track for the proposed light rail will be highly appreciated to keep our suburb as green as possible.

2). This is SUPER Important to keep the aesthetics of our suburb as cable free. Wentworth Point / Hill road is currently cable free therefore the light rail line should design as a cable free track line to look neat in our area.

3). Light rail can be use as food delivery transport too if it design accordingly and drop off / collect the food tray from the each stations which can make the line more profitable and less food delivery vehicles on the road directly coloborate with restaurent's e-com platform.

4). We need this light rail to connect on both ends with heavy rail, therefore extended the light rail line until Lacombe station will be super helpful for the community.

Thank you and wishing this project can deliver well before 2030 please ...

1). Wentworth Point suburb is full of buildings and very little green space, therefore green track for the proposed light rail will be highly appreciated to keep our suburb as green as possible.

2). This is SUPER Important to keep the aesthetics of our suburb as cable free. Wentworth Point / Hill road is currently cable free therefore the light rail line should design as a cable free track line to look neat in our area.

3). Light rail can be use as food delivery transport too if it design accordingly and drop off / collect the food tray from the each stations which can make the line more profitable and less food delivery vehicles on the road directly coloborate with restaurent's e-com platform.

4). We need this light rail to connect on both ends with heavy rail, therefore extended the light rail line until Lacombe station will be super helpful for the community.

Thank you and wishing this project can deliver well before 2030 please ...

Hi,
1. Route - I do think the originally planned route in Wentworth Point directly connecting to the Sydney Olympic Park Wharf terminal would be the better option providing direct links to the ferry and be closer to the school in Wentworth Point.
2. Noise and vibration - the track will go through a lot of densely populated areas and operate fairly early and late. Hence, anything that can be done to limit noise and vibrations (i.e. best rail technologies, etc.)
Regards,
Markus Maus

To ParramattaLightRail , please acknowledge receipt of my email response, as portal a bit hard to say ,
Dear Team,
As a very active boater / fisher and my extensive knowledge of the boating in this area, plus the Light Rail , I am concerned:
• the NSW Government has ignored concerns impacts on access to the waterways and Sydney Harbour;

• the briefing describes the reduced access to the boating will social disruption, stress,

• I agree Future Transport as a guiding strategy for the project but this appears a net loss of trailer-boat access/ parking during long construction being 3 years force people to use Rhodes or Kissing Point which have insufficient trailer parking to accommodate the additional of usage flowing from Ermington

• Public amenity and Sydney Harbour Access is being eliminated for 3 long years so that a construction company can have accommodations and car-parking on public lands isn’t acceptable, or understood by most boat owner.

Please remember my Boating registration and my licence fees fund access and are essential for safe boating Please do not close Ermington Boat Ramp for the duration of the construction to not disenfranchise boater like me and restrict access to the waterway and Sydney Harbour, in order for the Ermington Boat Ramp site to accommodate project site sheds or offices, and or project car parking at a high-value waterfront location

Please confirm receipt of this detailed access needs for a boater / fisher. I am happy my response with my name is published

I would like a meeting at the ramp as an alternate solution must be found.
Michael Jarvin

Supporting Letter with Comments Attached.

The Boat Owners Association of NSW (BOA) would like to express our grave concerns at the proposal to remove access by members of the public to the Ermington Boat Ramp during the construction of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2.
The Ermington Boat ramp is only one of three launching points available on the northern side of the Parramatta River, and combines an excellent launching ramp with facilities and parking for both cars and boat trailers. It services a large number of recreational boat users, with he ability to park 53 vehicles and boat trailers. This ramp also has the ability to launch and retrieve three vessels at a time. It has a toilet facility, a fish cleaning facility and a generous floating pontoon area for safe access to less experienced operators.
It is our understanding that the construction of the bridge across the Parramatta River at this location will:
o prevent people for approximately three years from accessing the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour at a safe, convenient and accessible location designed and built for that purpose;
o force people to use Rhodes or Kissing Point which have insufficient trailer parking to accommodate the additional of usage flowing from Ermington;
o force people to tow further afield adding to congestion, stress, access and parking issues elsewhere;
o force people into already pressure areas for example Kissing Point which has an adjacent park that can lead to a number of single cars taking up available slots for activities to do not involve launching or retrieving a boat, which is the purpose of the facility; and
o permanently reduce the available access and parking at Ermington Boat Ramp post construction for an ‘operational building’ in a valuable waterfront location.
The EIS notes alternative locations for the launching of boats at Silverwater, Rhodes and Kissing Point (Putney), but these facilities are of substandard quality when compared to the Ermington Boat Ramp, and do not provide sufficient parking capacity to accommodate boat owners having to use these facilities in lieu of the Ermington Boat Ramp.
We would note that there is sufficient capacity in nearby underutilised industrial areas for site offices, car parking and lay down areas, and we believe that the project team should be required to explore these alternatives for the construction of the new bridge rather than taking the boat ramp out of service for three years
We would recommend:
1) That access to the Ermington Boat Ramp be maintained during the construction of the new river crossing
2) Measures be established for the safe use of the boat ramp, and for parking of vehicles and boat trailers in the facility
3) If the Ermington Boat ramp is required to be closed for any period that nearby boat ramps be significantly ungraded with better launch ramps, supporting infrastructure and car parking to accommodate boat owners who cannot access the Ermington Boat Ramp
4) To provide adequate traffic management around the work site areas so as not to further disenfranchise the public wishing to utilise these facilities
In summary, we believe the proposal to remove the Ermington Boat Ramp for a period of three years is not in the public interest and must not be allowed to proceed without proper consideration of alternative access arrangements for the construction of the bridge structure.

Please see attached.

Please find attached as PDF