GreenWay – a step closer to reality

Wednesday, 23 May 2018

The vision of creating a unique green corridor through the heart of urban Sydney is now one step closer to reality with the release of a draft master plan for the project, announced Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.

Mayor Byrne said the GreenWay will transform the local area and create a unique and exciting integrated ecological and active transport corridor through the heart of urban Sydney.

“For years the people of the Inner West have fought for the GreenWay. Today we are releasing a master plan that will actually bring the vision to life,” said Mayor Byrne.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a world-class pedestrian, cycling and biodiversity corridor through the Inner West.

“Council plans to invest $25.7m over the next four years to help create an ecological and active transport corridor that facilitates a range of passive and active recreation opportunities and incorporates local places for culture and art,” he said.

“Stretching 5km from the Cooks River to Iron Cove, the GreenWay will feature beautiful parks and natural areas, a range of sporting facilities and cultural and historical sites.

“It will connect two existing important recreation routes at the Bay Run and Cooks River Cycleway and provide important links for commuter cyclists.

“For over 20 years the community has been advocating for a GreenWay to be created and I am delighted Council is finally going to make it happen.

As part of the plan a number of exciting upgrades are being proposed, including:

•A new bridge over the Cooks River •Improved natural areas and public open spaces in the light rail corridor near Hercules Street in Dulwich Hill •A new accessible shared path along the length of the corridor •Creation of new natural areas and public open spaces in the light rail corridor near Lewisham West •Safer crossings under major roads •Upgraded parklands and new natural areas along Hawthorne Canal.

The plan will see the completion of the missing links along the GreenWay corridor from Parramatta Road in Summer Hill to the Cooks River at Earlwood and unlock new open space along the Inner West light rail.

“Given the urban density of the local area clearly a number of challenges such as road crossings and easements will have be addressed to complete the project, but I am determined to work with the community to overcome any obstacles to make it happen,” he said.

“The GreenWay will provide an incredible sanctuary from the pressures on our local community from increased traffic, development and the hectic pace of our busy lives.”

The draft master plan includes proposals for $57 million of works to be implemented over the long term.

Around $25 million of high priority works are anticipated to be completed by 2022.

Construction of the central missing links from Parramatta Road to Old Canterbury Road is expected to start in 2019 with the construction of the southern missing links from Old Canterbury Road to the Cooks River to follow from 2020.

Additional works outlined in the draft plan will be delivered in a staged approach over the next 10 to 15 years as more funding becomes available.

The draft GreenWay Master Plan is on public exhibition from Friday 25 May 2018 to Sunday 24 June 2018. Visit www.yoursayinnerwest.com.au.