Monorail Removal Project - Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

There may be some short term potential for cumulative visual impacts to occur where otherbuilding works within the Sydney CBD are being carried out simultaneously. Visual impactswould also be associated with surface restoration works that follow removal of pedestal andfooting structures. Mitigation measures provided in section 10.4 would assist in minimising thepotential significance of the short term impacts.As noted above, the City of Sydney recognises the importance of street trees in the urbanenvironment. Existing street trees are particularly important within the CBD, as they providecontrast to the highly urban nature of the environment and amenity to the streetscape. Theproposal has the potential to impact on trees located in close proximity to the Monorail. Treesmay need to be trimmed or removed to allow works to occur. The works along Market Streetwould be undertaken to ensure that there are minimal impacts to the trees in this location. Notrees along Market Street would be removed. Trees along Darling Drive would be pruned asrequired for access purposes. Tree removal would be avoided where possible.In the event that removal is required, the contractor would obtain approval from Transport forNSW by submitting an ‘Application for Removal or Trimming Vegetation’. Where any treeremoval is required around Darling Harbour, the consent of SHFA may also be required. Anytrees subject to removal would be replaced in accordance with Transport for NSW’s ‘VegetationOffset Guide’.The removal of the Monorail would also present opportunities for future tree planting works to beundertaken where locations were previously constrained by the Monorail infrastructure.10.3.2 Long term impactsThe long term impact of the proposal on the visual amenity of the study area would be highlypositive. Photomontages for key viewing locations are provided in Figure 10.4 and Figure 10.5.These provide an indication of how the landscape would appear once the Monorail is removed.Long term impacts for each character area are summarised in Table 10.2.In summary, the proposal would:• enhance existing streetscape view corridors as a result of the removal of Monorailpedestals, columns and beams• provide more legible street level visual connections, including short distance views towardbuilding facades• improve the setting of historical and heritage buildings and items, by enhancing the viewstowards the items and minimising the visual conflict with significant heritage structures(Pyrmont Bridge)• reduce the visual clutter in narrow CBD streets• removal of direct visual impacts for residents, office workers and people occupyingbuildings adjoining the Monorail loop• enhance the street environment by removing dominant columns and pedestals.GHD | Transport for NSW - Monorail Removal Project REF | 97