A PUBLIC transport advocacy group has slammed the lack of railway accessibility in the modified design of the new town Huntlee, near Branxton.
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An environmental assessment for the 10th modification to the design and layout of Huntlee was recently publicly exhibited and is currently under review by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
In its submission to the NSW Government, Two More Trains for Singleton (TMTFS) urges that planning for Huntlee provide for substantially enhanced public transport to support expected additional urban development.
“Failure of the design to promote public transport to access a major new public facility is disappointing, given that the development is located within 500m of the existing railway line,” TMTFS spokesperson Martin Fallding said.
“The environmental assessment for the proposed modification fails to consider public transport and rail access issues and is deficient in not addressing this essential element of urban design.
“The proposal does not meet regional land use planning and transport objectives promoting public transport accessibility and increased public transport travel.’
Two More Trains for Singleton says amendments should be incorporated in the Huntlee design, focusing on redesigning the town centre subdivision layout to allow direct pedestrian and cycle access to Branxton railway station.
“Pedestrian and cycle access links to passenger rail should be integrated in the road layout, and constructed before buildings are approved,” Mr Fallding said.
The Two More Trains for Singleton group has sought additional passenger train services between Maitland and Singleton to enable improved direct access to Huntlee in the future.
Project director Stephen Thompson responded, saying as a fully master-planned town, Huntlee had always been supportive of integrated transport infrastructure for the benefit of its growing population.
“Modification No. 10, currently before the Department of Planning and Environment, does not in any way alter our commitment to integrated public transport, including improved connectivity to Branxton Train Station,” he explained.
“That commitment is evidenced by our expenditure to date in excess of $20 million to improve transport infrastructure.
“Improvements include the major upgrade to Wine Country Drive, which incorporates the provision of cycleways and pedestrian routes connecting North Rothbury, Huntlee and Branxton residents.
“We are delighted that the NSW State Government has already improved bus services to support our ever-increasing population and look forward to working with them to undertake the detailed planning necessary for further integrating our residential villages and town centre with the rail network.
“We fully support the state government’s commitment to promoting the growth of high population areas adjacent to existing infrastructure.
“The location of Huntlee, adjacent to the Hunter Expressway and in easy walking and cycling distance to Branxton Train Station, is a sound example of good planning.”