Five years after Oxford Street's rainbow crossing was removed, the City of Sydney is moving ahead with new plans to reinstate it - adding a splash of colour to the corner of Bourke and Campbell streets in Surry Hills.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the long-awaited crossing was a win for the local LGBTIQ+ community.
“Our beautiful Oxford Street rainbow crossing became a global sensation in 2013 and it was devastating when it was removed with no warning in the middle of the night,” the Lord Mayor said.
She continued: “The news that it will be reinstated is incredibly significant on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on 24 June and a powerful acknowledgement of the importance of our LGBTQI community and history."
The Lord Mayor thanked NSW Roads Minister Melinda Pavey and the RMS for their support, adding that she "will be asking Council on Monday night to endorse us proceeding with the installation."
“The crossing will be reviewed after six months by the RMS and if it has proved to be as safe as we hope it will be, then we will be able to keep it there permanently," she said.
“I am excited that we are so close to achieving the outcome we have worked so hard behind the scenes to achieve – the rainbow crossing returned as a permanent pride artwork in Sydney.”
The Lord Mayor continued, saying that the new crossing would include a trial to prioritise pedestrian movements ahead of vehicular movements as well as a local street upgrade to improve pedestrian safety.
“Not only will this crossing be a colourful celebration of our LGBTQI community but it will also be a trial of new sensors to give pedestrians as much crossing time as possible,” she said.
First installed in West Hollywood in 2012 to promote Gay Pride Month, there are now rainbow crossings in cities including San Francisco, Adelaide, Tel Aviv and London.
Sydney-sider James Brechney, who founded the community group DIY Rainbow in response to the removal of Sydney's first rainbow crossing, celebrated the news this morning.
"On the face of it this is truly fabulous news today," Brechney told SBS Sexuality.
He continued: "The community was so angry with the way in which the original Rainbow Crossing was removed in 2013, as evidenced in our beautiful protest 'DIY Rainbow' chalkings that happened across the world."
"Over the last 5 years we've seen many spring up across Europe, Canada and the States so it's a thrill to see Sydney back in the game!"
"I am really excited for this Rainbow Crossing and hope all parties are really invested in keeping it for years to come," Brechney concluded.
The DIY Rainbow movement (Photos: James Brechney, DIY Rainbow) Source: James Brechney, DIY Rainbow
According to a press release from the City of Sydney, residents and businesses in the area will be consulted about the proposal in August before a report will be prepared for the Local Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee’s September meeting.
Construction on the crossing will start in October and is expected to take three months.
