It’s time to stop talking about safety upgrades along Appin Road that would save the lives of motorists and koalas, says Dr Mike Freelander, the Federal Member for Macarthur
He has called on the state government to get on with the work.
Dr Freelander’s urgent call for action has come after a recent visit to the Figtree Hill development where he met with representatives from Lendlease to discuss the development and its impact on both the local environment and Appin Road.
Lendlease first proposed installing koala underpasses under Appin Road in 2019 as part of their $150 million upgrade to the road, with a proposed 5km dual carriageway upgrade to Appin Road also forming part of the proposal which the Perrottet Government is yet to sign off on.
Dr Freelander reminded the NSW Government that 11 people have died on Appin Road since 1997 (in crashes that occurred within the Rosemeadow-Campbelltown LGA border) while 36 koala fatalities have been recorded since 2012.
Dr Freelander said both motorists and wildlife continue to be at risk along Appin Road, because of the wilful neglect of the NSW Government.
There have been over seven years of endless meetings and roundtables yet the need for action is immediate.
“I am beyond frustrated by the NSW Government’s continued inability to act on requests from both Lendlease and locals to upgrade Appin Road leading to continued devastation to our community,’’ Dr Freelander said.
“The NSW Government intends to spend half a billion on a stadium in Penrith, yet they cannot spend half an hour going through these proposals which will provide much needed safety upgrades for Appin Road.
“Until this happens, human lives are at risk and our koalas edge closer to extinction.
“I recently spoke at a local action forum with residents regarding the need to protect our local koala colony and to save human lives.
“I reiterate my belief that we can protect both koala and human lives by upgrading Appin Road. It requires prompt, decisive, and compassionate action.’’
