Council is proposing to improve the footpath in Simmons Street, Enmore, from Enmore Road to Sloane Street.

The proposal aims to:

• help people move about easily;
• create more attractive places for people to live;
• contribute to a healthy environment through best practice water, tree, and biodiversity management; and
• coordinate works so there is less disruption within the street.

Improving accessibility

One of the aims of the proposal is to make Simmons Street more accessible to people using wheelchairs or prams. On the western side, from Enmore Road to 39 Simmons Street, the footpath is wider than it is at the southern end of the street. This section is also not obstructed by power poles which make it suitable to be upgraded to an accessible footpath.

The footpath on the eastern side of Simmons Street has power poles along the length of the street which makes it inaccessible for wheelchairs and prams. On the western side, from 41 Simmons Street to Sarah Street, the footpath is narrow so this needs further investigation of options to improve accessibility.

The plan

The new footpath will be constructed this financial year, subject to final funding allocations. Markings have already been made on the footpath indicating the extent of any proposed tree pits. As part of the work, Council will:

• replace damaged sections of footpath with new concrete footpath on the western side from Enmore Road to 39 Simmons Street and on the eastern side from Enmore Road to Sloane Street.
• expand the pits around all existing and new street trees, as marked on site, to create verges filled with leaf mulch. The shape of the tree pits will change from rectangle to trapezium (chamfered) to make the footpath more accessible - see adjacent photo for typical trapezium leaf mulch pit
• repair any damaged existing private stormwater lines leading from your property (between the front boundary and gutter) within areas where the footpath is reconstructed.
• provide one new tree and tree pit
• remove three trees that are at end-of-life
• replace any old or damaged street signs.
• work with residents who are interested in creating and maintaining a landscaped verge garden – see photo adjacent for typical example
• coordinate any replacement or repairs you may wish to make to your driveway (if you have one) while contractors are working in your street (see attached fact sheet) at owners cost.
• send you notice of the works and more information prior to works commencing.

Driveway replacement options

There is an opportunity for householders replace their driveways at the same as Council contractors are constructing the new foot paths. The process is different depending on whether householders would a) like to pay Council contractors to do the work or b) bring in their own contractors.

a) For householders who would like to pay for Council contractors to do the work at the same time as they replace the footpaths

1. Request initial approval by submitting this form to Council by Friday 25 of November 2016

Council’s Request for Approval for Vehicular Access (driveway Step 1)

2. In most cases approval is granted, and householders can then liaise directly with Council’s Contractor who will supply a quote on request. Council’s contractor details will be provided following approval of your application.

b) For householders who would like to bring their own contractors in to do the work at the same time as Council contractors replace the footpaths

1. Request initial approval by submitting this form to Council by Friday 25 of November 2016

Council’s Request for Approval for Vehicular Access (driveway Step 1)

2. In most cases approval is granted and then this form should be filled in and submitted

Council’s Application for Construction of Vehicle Crossing and Civil Works (driveway Step 2)

The forms can be submitted in person at Council's Admin Centre, 2-14 Fisher St, Petersham or by email to council@marrickville.nsw.gov.au

Driveways - who does what?

Under Section 218 of the Roads Act 1993, the property owner is responsible for a driveway and is liable for all construction and maintenance costs from property boundary to the road. As part of Council’s works we will repair sections of driveways, which have been damaged due to a utility service restoration or a Council tree. Any other damage to a driveway is the responsibility of the property owner.

What happens next?

Get in touch with Council using the form below before Friday 25 of November 2016 if you are interested in:

• making comment on the design
• creating and maintaining a new verge garden/s in your street