One local mayor has become the first South Western Sydney community leader to put their hand up for a slice of the $5 billion state government Westinvest fund.
Wollondilly Mayor Robert Khan has called for some of the money to be invested in fast tracking infrastructure to support local jobs and economic recovery for his growing area.
He cited the electrification of the railway line to Picton as a potential infrastructure project that could be funded by Westinvest.
The WestInvest fund has been set up by the NSW Government to help build new and improved facilities and local infrastructure to support communities impacted by Covid-19 across South Western and Western Sydney.
The funding has been made available following the government’s sale of its remaining 49 per cent stake in WestConnex.
“Wollondilly Council is calling on the NSW Government to invest in priority infrastructure for our growing community,” Cr Khan said.
“Boosting housing supply is the biggest economic priority for the NSW Government, and the best way to boost housing supply is to invest in infrastructure needed for growing communities.
“Our new town in Wilton is here now and growing every day as more families move in.
“We’re calling on the NSW Government to use WestInvest to fast-track planned infrastructure including public transport, schools, water supplies, health and recreational facilities,’’ he said.
“We need an electrified rail line to both Picton and Wilton to connect us to other major centres and make sure our current and future residents have safe and accessible transport options,” he said.
“The Picton Bypass is also a key priority which would connect the growing Thirlmere and Tahmoor with Wilton and provide emergency bushfire evacuation to avoid the shocking scenes in 2019 when our roads were gridlocked as the bushfires approached.
“Investment in tourism infrastructure such as the Great Burragorang Valley Walk would also be a huge boon for our area.
“The WestInvest fund is an opportunity for the State Government to provide this significant infrastructure now, so it can be in place before our population increases further,’’ Cr Khan said.
