[CAMWEST-discuss] [Fwd: Western Sydney Parklands Track incomplete]

[Rob Kemp]

Hi everyone,

Below is a copy of an email sent to Frank Sartor regarding the opening 
of the Western Sydney Parklands Track.
There is a lot more that can and probably should be said. eg Where is 
their 'Quality control'?  A section of uncompleted path; One dangerous 
road crossing and one less than ideal; A sign pointing the opposite 
direction to what it's supposed to; Lack of signage in some areas.

How does this reflect on Bicycle NSW, who were seen 'endorsing' the route?

I'm not sure where this communication with Western Sydney cycling 
groups, hinted at in the press release, got to.  I know that many of us 
could've pointed the above things out and made suggestions if consulted. 
Maybe the Dept of Planning might not have looked as incompetent as they 
do now (at least in my eyes!!)

Was there really any contact made with cycling groups?

Press Release: 
http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/westernsydneypark/pdf/Western%20Sydney%20Parklands%20track%20082401.pdf
Track Website: http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/westernsydneypark/track.asp
Frank Sartor contact details: 
http://www.directory.nsw.gov.au/showminister.asp?id=%7B1AE30196-0471-49FD-9588-115669AE6A8A%7D
Route on Bikely: 
http://www.bikely.com/forum/discussion/2081/western-sydney-parklands-track/

-------------------

To the Hon Frank Sartor, Minister for Planning.

Hello,

My name is Rob Kemp, and I'm a member of one of Western Sydney's main 
cycling advocacy groups, CAMWEST ( http://camwest.pps.com.au).
I was excited to hear that the full length of the Western Sydney 
Parklands Track was finally opened on January 24th.  I was not overly 
impressed to discover several days later that one section of the 
'opened' track has not even been constructed as yet.
Track users are met with locked gates at both the southern side of Power 
St, Glendenning and the northern end of Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside.  
There is no signage at either of these points for detours around the 
closed section.
What is going on?  Are you being honest with the people of Western Sydney? 
What would happen if an announcement like this were made of a new road, 
but one section in the middle hadn't been constructed as yet?

Whilst the track is enjoyable to ride along, I have a major safety 
concern with the track's crossing of Richmond Rd.  I feel it is in a 
very dangerous position.  I'd be happy to discuss this and several other 
issues with the relevant people.
You or one of your representatives would be welcome to join us for a 
ride of the track next Saturday, Feb 9th.  For details, see 
http://www.pushon.com.au/rides/Ride_details_ordinary.asp?RideID=1433.

I look forward to your reply. 

regards,

Rob
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http://www.robkemp.id.au   - Trying to live more sustainably

Ph (h) 02 9864 8797  (w) 02 9296 1561