While this is not Council’s project, we will certainly continue to convey the residents’ concerns to the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP).

Last month, Council did not support the LXRP’s proposed designs for a cycling corridor on Queens Avenue.

This followed feedback from close to 1,000 community members.

We instead asked the LXRP to explore other options or ways to make Queens Avenue a more viable option.

I thank the residents who attended last week’s information session with Council officers, where we heard your feedback.

We heard that planting and regeneration of vegetation along Derby Crescent is a high priority for you and that you are concerned a cycling corridor may prevent that from occurring. 

We also heard that you think Queens Avenue is the correct location for this cycling connection and that alternative solutions such as shifting the kerb should be further explored.  

Council strongly supports new cycling infrastructure, but we believe any solutions must be well designed and balance the needs of the community and local environment.

We must ensure we find ways to retain trees and amenity.

With your feedback in mind, we will continue to advocate to the LXRP to ensure that any proposed design for Derby Crescent includes revegetation and improved landscaping.  

We will also work with them to explore whether there are ways to make Queens Avenue more viable. And of course, we will ensure that you are further consulted before a final decision is made.

We will continue to work with you and the LXRP and keep you updated as our discussions continue.