Support a Feasibility Study Exploring the Possibility of an Underground Metro Station beneath Balmain's Gladstone Park

This petition represents a clear desire by the people, small-business operators and wider communities around the Balmain Peninsula, to see those with political power undertake a feasibility study for the possibility of including Balmain and Millers Point in any future approved plan for a CBD Metro - rather than Pyrmont, (which is already well- connected to the CBD and Central.

If Government decides a CBD Metro must in fact be built for Sydney's long-term commuter needs, then we signing this petition hereby encourage them to consider an option available for connecting two suburbs suffering from historically narrow streets, and a lack of parking for visitors.

This way, the broader community of NSW will have greater confidence that it's taxpayer's dollars are being spent with a healthier balance, incorporating a strong sense of social obligation for already established, but commercially struggling communities, not just future development opportunities for big business.

We see this as a once-only opportunity for this State's Government to finally connect the two long-hampered districts in a way which better reflects their REAL proximity to the CBD (as the crow flies), and casts off the often indirect and drawn-out capabilities of the current public transport systems in place.

We believe doing this would have astoundingly beneficial effects on both commuters and families living in these areas, for tourists and general visitors wishing to use local facilities (hospitals, markets, theatres, libraries, archives, pubs, etc.), shops or restaurants, and lastly there is great potential for it to give rise to an industry of non-vehicle dependent walking tours, exploring the rich heritage and character of these areas, which so far, have been left relatively ignored despite such potential, due to a lack of connectivity and parking.

Statistically, the combined populations of the Balmain Peninsula and Millers Point (which would live within walking distance of proposed station locations) is greater than that of the currently planned Pyrmont stop. Balmain and Pyrmont are far more dependent on their cars for efficient travel, whilst Pyrmont is well serviced by lightrail, a footbridge to the CBD and a monorail.

Thus it is felt by those signing, that Pyrmont would be better sacrificed from the plan in favour of both Millers Point and Balmain.

Cost-effectiveness for this would be met by means of using old infrastructure (already in place), like the disused Balmain Reservoir beneath Gladstone Park (built 1915), and by allowing some of the Metro grid to be above-ground (at White Bay and Barangaroo freight platforms - much of which already has disused tracks in place!) This would mean tunneling expenses could be approximately the same as those being proposed for connecting Pyrmont, but our plan has only one water-crossing as opposed to the current two (another cost-cutting measure)...

We hope those receiving this petition will embrace it with open-minds and a 'can do' attitude. We feel it would greatly add to the overall kudos of Stage 1 Metro, both for us, and potentially the eyes of the wider Sydney community - who stand to benefit if the network is expanded.

Sincerely,

The Balmain Metro Action Group
BalmainMetro@gmail.com