A scathing set of findings from a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the Rozelle interchange has found the Sydney junction was not built in the community’s best interest.
The multi-billion dollar project, which was constructed as part of the WestConnex toll road network, has caused commuter chaos in the inner west since its opening last November.
Today the inquiry committee handed down eight findings and 17 recommendations into the build, after examining each stage of the interchange project, from planning and design through to impact.
Committee chair and Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said the government project effectively put profits before people.
“It was built to maximise the sale value of WestConnex, which meant that decisions were not made in the community’s interest,” Faehrmann said.
“[Residents] were promised the world but they got worse than what was there beforehand.”
Which one of these cars in in the wrong?
“It’s clear from the overwhelming evidence of inquiry participants, that there was a lack of meaningful engagement and consultation with impacted communities during all stages of the Rozelle Interchange,” she said.
“The evidence from cycling advocates was particularly damning, with the community promised improvements to cycling and pedestrian infrastructure that weren’t delivered.”
As a result, it recommended of review of consultation practices and policies for projects moving forward and suggested safe separated cycleways should be implemented for Lilyfield and Victoria roads.
It also found the government at the time didn’t do enough to circumvent traffic issues caused by the Rozelle Interchange and recommended the NSW Government not privatise any more major state roads.
The inquiry recommended the NSW government immediately look toward additional public transport options, including bus and ferry services, and more traffic lights and crossings to prevent rat running and improve traffic congestion.
Premier Chris Minns said the government did not intend to privatise toll roads in the future.
“During the design phase, you’re taking into consideration all intended and unintended consequences [and] that clearly didn’t happen in Rozelle,” Minns said.
“We’re determined – when we pursue major changes – that the public are aware of how it will affect their community …and we also take into consideration whether there’s better ways of providing this infrastructure for these communities.”
An official response to the recommendations from the government is due by October 15.