Dr Mike Freelander has launched a new campaign that calls on the state government to stop stalling on promises on Appin Road and koala protection measures.
The federal member for Macarthur has written to local state MPs Greg Warren (pictured with him above) and Anoulack Chanthivong as well as all 15 Campbelltown councillors, calling on them to advocate for urgent action on four projects.
He says Appin Road should be a dual carriageway from St Helens Park to Appin, and there should be at least three wildlife protection underpasses along there.
Dr Freelander also wants to see wildlife protection fencing along Appin Road and a commitment to a Twin Rivers National Park connecting Dharawal National Park to protect koala habitats.
He says he has been prompted to act by the lack of action by the NSW Government.
“Far too many motorists and wildlife have lost their lives and been severely injured on Appin Road,’’ he says.
With major housing developments being built along some of the most dangerous stretches of the road, Dr Freelander believes action must be taken now.
“I first started campaigning for upgrades and wildlife protections for Appin Road in 2015 prior to my election for the Federal seat of Macarthur in 2016,’’ he said.
“Despite continued campaigns for changes, there has been no significant improvements to the road and no wildlife protections installed.
“I have met with Lendlease on numerous occasions, and I have been to many meetings, koala forums and community campaigns, however nothing has been done.
“Lendlease informs me they are committed to improvements but are being stalled by NSW Government inaction.
“I have obtained a commitment from the federal infrastructure minister to support Appin Road redevelopment with wildlife protections, but again cannot act until the NSW Government commits to the project,’’ Dr Freelander said in the letter.
“This must be a bipartisan issue. Lives are being lost (the last in July 2022) and our koala colony is at risk.’’
Thank you please ask your members and friends to sign the Save Sydney’s Koalas petition
Thankyou to Dr Freelander, Greg Warren and Anoulack Chanthivong who are trying to get the NSW Government to act to save Human and Koala populations by putting in at least three preferably five state of the art Wildlife Overbridges and Underbridges along Appin Road as per the NSW State Scientist and Engineers Report.
There is a Save Sydney’s Koalas petition which only needs 2,000 more signatures for this issue to be debated in NSW Parliament please sign so we can have this matter discussed in NSW Parliament
Thank you. The welfare of our native wildlife such as the koalas, is paramount. However, I take anything that Lendlease says with a grain of salt.
I feel this is a wonderful solution