We installed permanent bollards in areas of high pedestrian activity along North Steyne and South Steye in Manly:

• on the corner of Victoria Parade
• on the corner of Wentworth Street
• on the corner of Raglan Street.

The key benefits are:

• more efficient management of Council and third-party events
• helping to activate public spaces and assist local businesses, whilst reducing the cost of holding events for both Council and the community
• additional protection for pedestrians by deterring vehicles from accessing the footpath.

The project is funded as part of the NSW Government’s Vibrant Street Package.

We exhibited the proposed locations for permanent bollards from 16 January to 1 February and heard from 78 people.

Feedback reflected mixed views, including:

• support from local businesses and community members who welcomed increased pedestrian safety and more efficient event management
• concerns raised by others about cost, accessibility and to a lesser extent impacts on visual amenity.

We encourage you to read the Community Engagement Report for the full details on the feedback received and our response to specific concerns. In summary, we are confident that the following points address the key issues raised:

• Project funding
  • Full funding for the project was secured through NSW Government’s Vibrant Street Package Permit Plug Play program. The bollards will help activate public spaces and assist local businesses, whilst reducing the cost of holding events for both Council and the community.
• Accessibility
  • The bollards meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. They are installed at 1.5 metre intervals, to allow for the safe passage for all pedestrians including people with prams, people who are visually impaired and mobility scooter and wheelchair users.
• Design and safety
  • The bollards feature a slim-line design. Suggested alternatives, such as potted trees, would not provide the same level of safety protection or deterrent against incursion as bollards.