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No 41, July 2005
Editor: John R Lee
Production: Keith Griffin
The views expressed in Chain Mail articles are those of the authors only and do not necessarily represent either the common views shared by a majority of Bike North members, or Bike North policy as formulated by the Bike North Executive Committee.
Money Gone! What is the Cost(a)?
You thought it was tough, living the cycling life in car dominated Sydney. Bad news - its going to get a whole lot worse unless YOU, EVERYONE, takes action NOW.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The NSW State Budget slashed the funding for cycling over 50% for 2005/6, with the major impact felt in implementing BikePlan 2010. There will be no construction work on the regional cycleway network this financial year and totally inadequate funding for design work, putting future years construction at threat. There is also the distinct possibility that this cut will continue into future years.
The General Manager, Bicycles and Pedestrian position at the RTA has been abolished, derogating our voice and influence, within the RTA.
WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?
Ministerial direction. We have been fortunate for over six years to have a champion for cycling in State Government, Minister Scully. While his priority was the Western Suburbs, he did achieve kilometres of recreational cycleway which we enjoy on our social rides. Just as the focus of BikePlan 2010 is moving to our northern areas and routes more useful for everyday cycling, we are now under the direction of Minister Costa who appears to have an antipathy to cycling, or at least to spending money on cycling facilities.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT US?
With no money, regional routes that were scheduled for design and construction cannot move forward. At best, this significantly delays, or more likely, puts in great doubt the critical northern routes. The RTA had already developed concepts for high quality designs the following routes from BikePlan 2010 :
- Sydney Harbour Bridge to Chatswood (2004)
- Macquarie Uni Connections (connecting to Epping Road Cycleway) (2004)
- Eastwood to Concord Rail Trail (2004)
- Chatswood to Gladesville (2005)
In addition proposed unfunded improvements to the Lane Cove Tunnel, cycleway such as a high level cycleway over Flat Rock Gully, Naremburn have no chance to go ahead. We can expect the Gore Hill and Epping Road Cycleways to proceed since this is part of an approved project, under contract to be funded and built by private enterprise. BUT it will simply end at Merremburn Ave, Naremburn, in the middle of the freeway with no place to go. Similarly, in North Ryde cyclists will be dumped at Wicks Rd, with no continuing access to Macquarie Park and the University. This is despite written assurances from Minister Scully that the original deadline for the Sydney Harbour Bridges routes was being postponed from 2004 to come on line together with the these Lane Cove Tunnel cycle works.
We can also expect little support from Minister Costa when Hills Motorway decides to take out the bike lane on the M2. Minister Scully was on record as saying he was "reluctant to allow the motorway to be widened" and that he was "committed to protecting those (bicycle) facilities". How likely is it that Minister Costa will stand by that support?
SO, WHAT CAN I DO?
WRITE!!
Write letters to Minister Costa, Premier Carr, your local Member of Parliament, daily newspapers and your local media. Write to anyone you think could help.
WHERE DO I START?
- Be polite and project a positive image. Minister Costa thinks we're all ratbags; Show him and everyone else we are ordinary people who want the option to cycle for transport and/or recreation.
- Express your concern at the budget cuts and/or axing of the management position and ask that these be reversed.
- State one positive cycling fact Ð that's easy. Its good for the environment, our heath, our communities. Take your pick.
- Tell them what you want Ð the Minister to reverse his decision, increase funding, the Premier and other members of parliament to advocate on your behalf.
- Be brief Ð keep to one page and keep it to the point. If you have more to say, write again.
- Write often.
WHERE DO I SEND MY LETTERS?
Its best to send letters by snail mail, but email is better than none.
WRITE TO THE MINISTER
The Hon. Michael Costa, MLC
Minister for Roads
Level 31 Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place Sydney NSW 2000
Email: roadsminister@roads.nsw.gov.au
WRITE TO THE PREMIER
The Hon. Robert Carr, MP
Level 40 Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place Sydney NSW 2000
Email: bob.carr@www.nsw.gov.au
WRITE TO YOUR LOCAL MEMBER
The following members of parliament are responsible for electorates in the North Sydney region. Look for your local member's contact details.
Member for Ryde
The Hon. John Watkins, MP
Ground Floor, 123 Blaxland Road,
Ryde NSW 2112
Email: ryde@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Member for Willoughby
Ms Gladys Berejiklian, MP
280 Willoughby Road,
Naremburn NSW 2065
Email: willoughby@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Member for North Shore
Mrs Jillian Skinner, MP
Suite 3 Bangalla House, 65 Military Road,
Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Email: northshore@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Member for Lane Cove
Mr Anthony Roberts, MP
PO Box 524,
Gladesville NSW 2111
Email: lanecove@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Member for Ku-ring-gai
Mr Barry O'Farrell, MP
27 Redleaf Avenue,
Wahroonga NSW 2076
Email: barry.o'farrell@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Member for Hornsby
Mrs Judy Hopwood, MP
PO Box 1687
Hornsby Westfield NSW 1687
Email: hornsby@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Member for Epping
Mr Andrew Tink, MP
PO Box 33
Epping NSW 1710
Email: epping@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Member for Davidson
Mr Andrew Humpherson, MP
PO Box 209
Lindfield NSW 2070
Email: andrew.humpherson@parliament.
nsw.gov.au
For other members of parliament see http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/ parlment/members.nsf/V3Home or check out the White Pages (Parliament of NSW). To find out your electorate see http://www. seo.nsw.gov.au or ring the State Electoral Office on 9200 5999.
HOW CAN BIKE NORTH HELP YOU ?
Our web site is being progressively updated with sample letters and references to give you ideas for writing letters. Look out for upgrades in email-news. For those not on internet – try to buddy up with someone who is and find out what's available.
IS THERE ANY GOOD NEWS?
Over the next few years, it may not appear so grim, with several high quality cycleways in the pipeline. Next year the 40km entirely grade separated Western Orbital Cycleway from Prestons to Baulkham Hills will offer opportunities for more extended recreational cycling. Later the Gore Hill and Epping Road Cycleways will make a huge difference for those who need to travel between North Ryde and Naremburn. But without an adequate budget now, there will be nothing to come after.