ATTACHMENT 1 CL……. SERVICES

Site Visit

Access Issues

Willmot Avenue Toongabbie

4.00 pm, Thursday 26 September 2002

Present:

Vic Saragozza (resident 2-4 Willmot Ave)

Cr P Barber

Cr C Worthington

Cr P Camilleri

Manager Infrastructure, Rod Cook (MI)

Community Development Worker – Aged/Disabilities, Jo Battersby (CDW)

Senior Project Officer, Susan Gibbeson (SPO)

General

Willmot Ave

Issue:

Access to local shops is currently difficult due to lack of footpaths.

Proposed solutions and discussion

  • Install a footpath between Bond Street and Fitzwilliam Street on the eastern side. This is estimated to cost approximately $ 7,000. (still have to cross road).
  • Alternate solution is to install a footpath on the western side from Fitzwilliam Street at a cost of approximately $28,000
  • Clr Worthington identified the Melaleucas are planted along this strip and that these plants bring up footpaths. MI will address with any footpath proposal.
  • Victor Saragozza stated there it would also be good to have access to the park
  • Cr Worthington agreed for the funds to come from the Urgent Works Budget. He felt that it would be more appropriate to do the more expensive works now as he feels that they will be required in the future anyway.
  • Cr Camilleri also agreed with this approach to funding.

ACTION:

A footpath from Fitzwilliam to Toongabbie Rd on the same side of the road as Mr Saragozza’s property be costed for installation and that all ward Councillors be approached regarding the works being carried out using funds from the Urgent Works budget. MI to arrange.

Issue:

  • Discussion ensued about access issues in the development of properties, particularly the Department of Housing properties. The role of the Council’s planning instruments and the development application process was specifically discussed. i.e. If Community Development is consulted when applications containing specialised housing for people with disabilities are being considered. Discussion also ensued regarding the DCP and LEP.
  • It was noted that Council staff are in the process of establishing a ‘strategic alliance’ with the Department of Housing to consider a number of issues, including redevelopment of their properties. The issue of accessibility to functional items as well as the neighbourhood access issues can be raised in this forum.
  • Vic Saragozza stated he can not access his letter box. It was noted that this would need to be taken up with the Department of Housing.

ACTION:

MI will also see if this letter box issue can also be raised with Dept of Housing through the contact with staff in his area. It was noted that this issue could only be actioned by the Department of Housing as it is on private property.

Issue:

Cr Worthington questioned the gap between the road paving and the lip of the driveway. Mr Saragozza said that he had asked a workman to put a small bit of tar in the road in front of his driveway.

ACTION:

MI will investigate the issue and arrange to fill in the existing channel between paving and lip.

AGREEMENT

It was agreed that access issues need to be upgraded in future amendments of the LEP and/or DCP documents.

ACTION:

CDW and SPO will need to ensure that comments are made and appropriate amendments framed in the review of the documents.

WALK TO WENTWORTH AVENUE.

ACTIONS:

  • Kerb ramp needs attention to grade – Willmot and Fitzwilliam St
  • Paving raised on Ballandella Rd and Willmot. MI to arrange maintenance.

Issue:

Mr Saragozza requested no right hand turn from Fitzwilliam to Ballandella. Wants No Right Hand Turn on Willmot and make Ballandella Right Hand Turn.

ACTION & Agreed solution

Make No Right Hand Turn into Willmot. Leave Ballandella as it is. – MI to investigate.

Issue:

Not enough street lighting on the Corner of Balladella and Fitzwilliam. No crossing – pedestrian traffic not at warrant level. Solution (1) Pedestrian refuge in centre of road and blister on corner to slow down cars. Clr Worthington concerned that cars don’t turn too wide with a blister and have head on collisions.

ACTION

Install footpath further down the street from the corner and install and a refuge island. This should give cars an opportunity to see people crossing and provide a safer option. The exact location and appropriateness will need to be determined after a detailed look at driveways etc and impact on adjacent properties. MI to investigate.

Issue:

Ramp on (West corner) Ballandella/Fitzwilliam throwing chair into power poll and grass. Difficult to then get to ramp leading to pedestrian crossing over Fitzwilliam Road.

ACTION (Agreed solution)

MI to investigate modifying ramps to provide a continuous ramp.

Questions

Mr Saragozza asked what is the time line for works?

-MI stated that design issues need to be resolved, costed etc. then memos go to Councillors etc This could take 6 weeks

-Mr Saragozza requested copy of letter

ACTION:
Cr Worthington agreed to provide copies of letters and minutes to Mr Saragozza.

ACTIONS:

Issue:

Concerns over condition of existing footpaths.

MI to arrange maintenance work at the following locations:

  • 161 Fitzwilliam Rd - footpath near tree
  • 165 Fitzwilliam Rd - tree indent on footpath (fax this to Cr Chris Worthington)
  • 173 Fitzwilliam Rd – footpath near Telstra pit
  • 537 Wentworth Ave – driveway footpath bad (not mentioned on site)

Issue:

  • Crossing across Wentworth Ave, between roundabouts. There is a desire line across this road between the 2 roundabouts so people can get to the Bowling Club. There is also no footpath on the rail line side of Wentworth around to the Club.
  • It is noted that it is not possible to have a crossing near a roundabout. There is not enough people to warrant a crossing here.
  • Pedestrian Lights – Parramatta City Council would need to pay for the installation and maintenance. It is likely to be in excess of available budgets.
  • Discussion regarding the possibility of crossing Fitzwilliam at 1st crossing (near Ballandella) and then go on the other side and cross back across Fitzwilliam at the Club.
  • Mr Saragozza said there is a blind lady who lives on Wentworth St who also needs to access the club too.
  • Cr Worthington mentioned the dangers of installing pedestrian refuge is that people think it is a crossing and it is very different. This could make it unsafe for kids
  • This access issue is complex and difficult. Cr Worthington informed Mr Saragozza of the situation and pointed out that Council staff will look at the situation and will get back to him. There can be no promises in this situation due to the difficulty and safety issues.

ACTION:

MI to consider issues and develop possible solutions.

Issue:

Access to shops

  • HREOC – Mr Saragozza has apparently lodged with HROEC and this issue is outside Council’s scope. Mr Saragozza indicated that there has been some resolution of the issue with at least one shop.

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