Northern Beaches Council today released its first Transport Discussion Paper to stimulate input into a 20-year transport strategy for the region.

Move: Northern Beaches Transport Discussion Paper asks the community to comment on a range of priorities to inform the development of a transport strategy which looks forward to the year 2038.

Mayor Michael Regan said traffic congestion was crippling the Northern Beaches, with the Pittwater/Spit/Military Road corridor the most congested in Sydney and Warringah Road already exceeding capacity.

“More than half our households have more than two motor vehicles and three out of five local residents use a car to get to work.

“Macquarie Park is a major employment centre, the fastest growing in Sydney but it takes an hour and 20 minutes on the 197 bus to travel 20kms from Mona Vale.

“The Dee Why to Chatswood route is a major transport corridor and home to the Northern Beaches Hospital but it takes over an hour on the 136 bus to travel 14kms. How is this acceptable in 2018 and how does this encourage our community to use public transport?

“Traffic will only get worse unless we improve public and active transport options and links so the community has a reason to get out of their cars.

“But what do those options look like and which of those are most favoured by our community? Is light rail or a train from Dee Why via Frenchs Forest to Chatswood worth exploring? Are guided electric buses (with the same capacity as a tram) to Chatswood or connecting Mona Vale and Macquarie Park an option? Or should we focus on rapid buses (24 hour bus lanes) in the knowledge that rail investment comes with significant additional housing growth?

“This discussion paper is an opportunity for our residents to help guide Council’s advocacy of both the NSW Government and commercial transport providers to improve the Northern Beaches transport network.

“Council’s size and strategic capacity make us a capable partner with the NSW Government agencies and transport providers and enables us to have a strong voice for our community.

“Community input is essential to ensure we develop a future Transport Strategy that reflects local priorities,” Mr Regan said.

Council is holding a number of engagement activities where local residents can have their say including drop-in sessions, listening posts and an online survey. Visit Have Your Say at northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au