Camden Council says the $12.3 million allocated in yesterday NSW Budget for planning of the critical Spring Farm Parkway stage two extension is “barely a drop in the ocean’’.
Council says it was “left disappointed’’ by the budget.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said that while council was pleased the project now has dedicated funding, it is set to cost almost $600 million in its entirety.
“This project is one of our key priorities because it’s essential for establishing a critical east-west transport link in the Macarthur region and addresses a major infrastructure gap by connecting Wollondilly, Campbelltown and Camden local government areas,” she said.
“It was recently identified as a high priority initiative by the Western Sydney transport infrastructure panel and will integrate key corridors including the Hume Motorway, Appin Road, Menangle Road and Camden Bypass into a seamless transport network, reducing congestion, improving travel times for commuters and freight vehicles, and relieving pressure on major roads.
“This $12.3 million commitment represents not even three per cent of the total cost of this project. It’s great to have a start but we need more to truly see tangible outcomes,” Mayor Cagney said.
The Budget also included a $2.5 million allocation to increase the sub-acute palliative care capacity at Camden Hospital that Camden Council says does not go far enough.
Council says it has been calling on the State and Federal Governments to retain and redevelop Camden Hospital, expanding its capacity and enhancing its role in delivering palliative, allied and specialised care.
Cr Cagney said that, once again, this $2.5 million commitment just wasn’t enough.
“When you consider funding of $80 million for upgrades to Fairfield Hospital which was announced by the Federal Government a few weeks ago, the $2.5 million announced yesterday seems to pale in comparison,” she said.
“Our population is booming, and our healthcare facilities need to catch up. The longer it takes to meaningfully upgrade Camden Hospital, the more pressure we place on patients, families and frontline staff.
“Our residents shouldn’t have to travel to Campbelltown or Liverpool for their healthcare needs.”
