Gridlock: What happens when two councils can’t agree on a road?

On the lower North Shore of Sydney, a simple proposal for an intersection upgrade has spiralled into a near-decade long saga between two local councils.

What happened: Cremorne’s Spofforth Street is a commonly used rat run, peeling off from Military Road and providing drivers with a less congested route toward the city. 

The street has seen numerous crashes, and has previously been labelled a “black spot” by the state government. 

For years, North Sydney Council has wanted to implement what it says are safety improvements at the intersection of Spofforth Street and Rangers Road. 

Currently, the site is ripe for confusion, with cars turning right from the former into the latter being given right of way, and cars driving straight having to wait at a Stop sign.

The initial report on the road was commissioned almost 10 years ago.

Shared custody: The intersection straddles the boundaries of Mosman and North Sydney councils and is home to a row of small businesses, including a chemist, bottle shop and bakery. In order for anything to be done, the two councils must work together.

What is being proposed: In 2021, North Sydney Council said traffic lights or a roundabout would improve the situation. But no progress has been made.

In recent months North Sydney has attempted to revive the matter, but Mayor Zoë Baker told the Lorikeet that Mosman Council appeared “very reluctant to commit”. 

A North Sydney Council report from October last year claims that Mosman Council had not responded to “multiple invitations, over many years” to try and reach an agreement. 

However, a spokesperson for Mosman Council told the Lorikeet that Mosman had “maintained a collaborative relationship” with its neighbour, but that they could not agree to the changes, due to the “adverse impact on local business”.

Business concerns: Plans proposed by North Sydney Council conceded the loss of at least 10 parking spaces out the front of the row of businesses. 

Ash, the manager of a Lebanese bakery along the strip said the removal of parking spaces would have a significant impact on his business. 

“Mostly, we are a takeaway shop … they order from home, park at the front and pick it up,” he told the Lorikeet. “We don't have any parking around here, it's the only option”.

Other local businesses were less bothered by the prospect. Lee, the owner of a laundry a few doors down, said the change wouldn’t make a big difference as most of her customers walked to the shop.

Miral, who works at the chemist next door to Ash’s bakery, said the issue wasn’t so much about spaces directly outside businesses, but a lack of parking in the surrounding area. 

What now?: With the completion of the Warringah Freeway upgrade approaching, Baker claimed the rat run will only become busier. 

The topic is on the agenda at Monday night’s North Sydney Council meeting, with councillors to discuss whether they should continue to try and work with Mosman Council to find a solution. 

If no way forward can be found between the councils, both have the option of taking the matter to the State Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig.

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