Both the State Government and Leichhardt Municipal Council have policies of public access to the foreshores of Sydney Harbour and, while sections of the foreshore between Annandale and Pyrmont are not currnetly accessible, this will gradually change following the completion of several major developments. Meanwhile residents and visitors are able to complete an interesting walk from the head of Rozelle Bay to Pyrmont (or reverse) by following the map for a very different view of Sydney and its foreshores.

The Foreshore Walk and Cycleway passes along this stretch of Bicentennial Park.
Photo: Cynthia Jones

 

Accessing the walk is easily achieved by using the Light Rail from Central Station or Darling Harbour to the 'Rozelle Bay' tramstop at the western end of the walk or by commencing at the eastern 'Wentworth Park' tramstop (Fish Markets), and walking from Glebe towards Annandale. Additionally Bus #433 to Annandale delivers you to the western end of the walk, while Bus #431 terminates at Bicentennial Park (Glebe Point).

Published as part of the Millenium Track Sydney Harbour Foreshores initiative, our Three Bridges Walk (from Pyrmont to Annandale) brochure describes the Foreshore Walk and Cycleway, a long-term project of The Glebe Society which is developing as waterfront sites become available.

 

This brochure, with walking route and map, is available free on request. Download our order form and return to The Glebe Society, PO Box 100, Glebe 2037, enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

 

Queries? email:foreshorewalk@glebesociety.org.au

 

 

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

 

Mangroves Feature on Glebe Foreshore Walk

Following extensive consultation, the City has included a mangrove area in the Glebe Foreshore Project. The mangroves will re-establish some original foreshore vegetation to increase biodiversity, provide marine habitat, and assist environmental rehabilitation of the harbour.

 

Last year, Council began regular meetings with members of the community to review the foreshore walk designs initiated by the previous City Council. The project has been amended to reflect community suggestions as well as the 1994 plan adopted by Leichhardt Council.

 

The mangrove proposal in Bicentennial Park West was the outstanding issue that had provoked strong differences of views. While there has been no real debate about the mangroves' merit, the use of an existing grassed area was a concern for some people.

 

In response, the City pursued alternative planting locations. After approaches to the NSW Government and subsequent reports from Fisheries and the Ecology Lab, it was clear that the alternatives were not technically feasible and NSW Maritime would not allow further reclaclamation.

 

The City has been guided by several preliminary site assessments and will carry out an Environmental Site Assessment in accordance with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Contaminated Sites Guidelines. Remediation, where required, will be undertaken.

 

This has been a difficult decision and the mangrove area has been reduced by two-thirds. On balance, I believe the benefits outweigh any loss. The 800 square metre area is less than one per cent of the park and more than matched by improved access and open space.

 

I hope that differences on this issue can be put aside so the proud tradition of positive community involvement in Bicentennial Park can continue. Over many years, a small park crowded by timber yards and semi-industrial works has been transformed into the current magnificent foreshore open space through the invaluable cooperation of residents, local businesses and Council.

 

The City is now updating the Blackwattle Bay Park Plan of Management (1999) and incorporating the planned new public parkland from the Australand development between Cook Street and Ferry Road. The Plan will document guidelines for development, use and management of these parkland areas and heritage buildings.

 

Infomation: Adam Fowler, phone 9265 9592 or email afowler@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au