Everyone knows the population in Campbelltown is set to explode, says local MP Greg Warren.
So it’s vital that we start seeing the level of investment in infrastructure projects needed to accommodate a spike in our population, he adds.
“There’s a growing ‘Campbelltown to do’ list tacked up on a wall in the Department of Planning that needs to be actioned now before it is moved to the too hard basket,’’ the Labor MP said.
“Campbelltown locals have been very vocal about what they want for their community.
“The Baird Government should sit down with residents to hear what they have to say about their community’s future.”
Mr Warren and NSW Labor are demanding the Baird Government urgently addresses the backlog of items on its ‘Campbelltown to do list’ before the predicted population boom puts even more pressure on stretched public services.
A recently released report by the Greater Sydney Commission has predicted enormous population growth in south west Sydney while also suggesting a lengthy list of infrastructure projects and upgrades for the region.
The report predicts an extra 6,800 new homes will be built in the Campbelltown local government area; requiring transport and road services to help new residents commute to work as well as more local jobs to help bolster the region’s economy.
NSW Labor is insisting the Baird Government immediately begins work on the Greater Sydney Commission’s recommendations and starts delivering on projects such as the Menangle to Spring Farm link road and the rail overpass at Broughton Street and Badgally Road.
An upgrade of Appin Road should also feature on the Government’s plans for the region.
In October this year NSW Labor committed $50 million to upgrade the road to connect the Illawarra to the fast growing regions of south west Sydney; in addition to the bipartisan commitment of $50 million during this year’s federal election.
“Western Sydney is the fastest growing region in NSW yet the infrastructure commitments needed to accommodate that growth are struggling to keep up,’’ says opposition leader Luke Foley.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The Greater Sydney Commission’s draft plans for south west Sydney are a good start but a lot more work is needed to ensure the region can cope with the expected growth.[/social_quote]
“Minister for Planning Rob Stokes should take stock of what the community is saying about its future and what it needs to survive,” Mr Foley said.
Labor says community consultation should also be a priority for the Baird Government to understand what issues are of concern to residents above and beyond the Greater Sydney Commission’s recommendations.
High amongst community concerns is the Campbelltown station car park. Campbelltown commuters have long sought an additional 450 car spaces at the train station to help ease parking pressures. The car park is typically filled by 7:30am each weekday.
