Pedestrians run over at Mount Ousley Road Interchange

In a major blow for walkers and cyclists, Transport for NSW has quietly removed the pedestrian overpass from the Mount Ousley Road Interchange in their March 2024 project update.

Greens candidate for Lord Mayor Jess Whittaker said: “Our city is more than just a transport corridor. Transport for NSW needs to go back to the original design and include the pedestrian bridge which is an important link between northern Wollongong and schools, university, TAFE and Wollongong Botanic Gardens.

“By quietly removing this option for residents, Transport for NSW is taking away the joy of walking to university, or school or the gardens. And they are working against our city becoming a great cycling city. At a time when we need to rethink our transport options, Transport for NSW are quitting on the cyclists, walkers and everyone else who wishes to get around the city without relying on a car.

“We tolerate so much because our Port drives a large part of the NSW economy. We have pollution, dust, noise, trucks on our roads, transport accidents and volatile industries in our city. We have an enormous transport corridor moving between the Port through our city to the rest of NSW. This requires careful thought and investment in the planning stage. We can’t sacrifice the benefits of walking and cycling and our good quality lives in Wollongong so we can have an impassable major traffic thoroughfare through the heart of Wollongong.

“The pedestrian bridge was a small ask from the community. It was provided in the feedback TFNSW received during consultation. It should not be the first thing to be cut when they tighten the budget for this $390 million project.

“In Australia, non-motorised transport receives less than 2% of transport budget investment. The UN recommended governments spend at least 20% of their transport budgets on non-motorized transport. This would help us achieve the goal of reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and making our cities walkable and cyclable. This sly decision by Transport for NSW is a one-way road to further car dependency and this project is a perfect example of why active transport connections are being pushed aside as soon as budget cuts are needed.

“If elected to Council I will always fight for those of us who like to spend time in a great city, which is liveable and a lovely place to walk and cycle, especially for those who wish to visit the gardens or the wonderful university, TAFE, and schools that this area offers.

“I encourage everyone to contact Transport for NSW about this on their website.”

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