Newcastle Cycleways Movement opposes the proposed rezoning of the Link Road Forest for residential development.
- Aug 3
- 1 min read
As an organisation dedicated to creating a city where walking, cycling and public transport are practical choices for everyday travel, we believe Newcastle's future depends on smarter growth - not continued urban sprawl.
Australia's transport problems have been shaped by decades of low-density expansion on the urban fringe. Every new estate built further from established centres creates greater dependence on private cars, increases traffic congestion, and makes it more difficult and expensive to provide frequent public transport, safe cycling infrastructure and connected walking networks.
In contrast, Newcastle should continue to focus on well-planned urban infill and transport-oriented development in existing suburbs and centres. Concentrating growth where infrastructure, jobs, schools and services already exist creates neighbourhoods where more people can walk, ride or catch public transport. It also makes far better use of public investment, reduces infrastructure costs per resident, and helps preserve important green spaces.
Rezoning the Link Road Forest would move Newcastle in the wrong direction. It would sacrifice a valuable natural asset while committing future generations to the ongoing costs of maintaining new roads, utilities and services in an area that encourages car dependence.
The most affordable city to service is a compact city. The most sustainable transport system is one that allows people to walk, cycle and use public transport for everyday journeys. Protecting Link Road Forest while directing growth towards existing urban areas supports both of these objectives.
Newcastle has a choice: continue the pattern of urban sprawl that has created transport challenges across Australia, or build a more compact, connected and liveable city. Newcastle Cycleways Movement believes the second path is the right one.
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