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Community groups say lessons must be learnt from Mt Ousley bridge debacle

Community groups that campaigned successfully for the reinstatement of a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the new Mount Ousley Road say politicians and bureaucrats can learn a lot from the process.

"Consult early and consult often," said Emma Rooksby, chair of Landcare Illawarra.

Locals were shocked when in March last year the bridge, costing $12 million, was dropped to cut costs in the $400 million project.

That decision sparked outrage and community groups joined forces to create a 'Build Our Bridge' campaign. Neighbourhood Forums 4 and 5 combined with the Keiraville Residents Action Group (KRAG), the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group, Healthy Cities Illawarra and Save Our Trees to form a working group to build their case for a reversal of the decision.

From left, Philip Laird, John Riggall, Emma Rooksby and Felix Bronneberg

Bridge provides a vital link

Felix Bronneberg from KRAG said the decision to remove the bridge was inexplicable. The bridge was in the original plans but then removed when the community was given an update in early 2024.

"The bridge will connect Wollongong's northern suburbs to the TAFE, university, the botanic gardens and the CBD. It will be a vital link to our major educational precinct from our escarpment suburbs," Felix said.

"This is also the biggest drawing area for Keira High School, and the bridge will enable kids to walk safely to and from school."

NF5 executive member Philip Laird said the way the bridge component of the project was handled "created an uproar". 

"It felt like we'd been cheated and the money for our bridge was diverted to Sydney projects which had cost overruns. Transport for NSW just seems too big and it behaves like a secret society in the way it makes decisions," Philip said.

Emma Rooksby of Landcare Illawarra

Lessons must be learnt

The community groups want politicians and bureaucrats to learn the lessons from what they believe has been a seriously flawed process.

"This state has a very poor record with consultation," Emma said. "They tend to plan first and then do the consultation, but it should be the other way around."

"From my perspective the bridge was the centrepiece of the business plan, and the silver lining; the one significant benefit in this project for local residents. We shouldn't have needed to fight for this."

Emma said she hadn't been confident of a win over the bridge but welcomes the final outcome.

"I was prepared for an unsuccessful campaign. I'd prepared a 'Build Our Bridge' logo for a big banner which in the end wasn't needed. It was clear to me from the outset there was huge community interest, and many people were unaware the bridge had been deleted."

L to R: Emma Rooksby, John Riggall and Felix Bronneberg

People power and politicians join forces

John Riggall from NF5 is convinced a combination of "people power" with the support of local politicians and Lord Mayor Tania Brown helped turn around what was "a terrible decision".

"In my view the trigger was an on-site meeting we had with Anna Bradley, an executive director of Transport for NSW, when she made it clear that all projects needed to take into consideration the need for active transport," John said. "She made it clear the bridge was active transport and needed to be included, and from that point on the kicking the can down the road ended."

"I believe this provides a great case study for how effective community engagement can deliver a great result, bringing together community groups to create a working group in the early stages. So, in future when a draft design is completed, following community engagement, it takes into account all the issues raised by the community and other stakeholders.

"This is not the finish. This is an example of how we need to address other safety issues as this project continues. The message for our council is here is an example of using community groups effectively; so why don't you use it."

Felix Bronneberg believes the next serious issue which needs to be addressed is a safe crossing at the bottom of Mount Ousley Road for children attending Montessori School. 

"Let's just hope Transport for NSW engages with the community again," Felix said. 

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