Dr Mike Freelander has warned the NSW premier Chris Minns that failure to fund rail services from the new airport to Campbelltown and other parts of outer South Western Sydney could be a costly political mistake.
“In recent electoral cycles, South Western Sydney residents strongly consider whether their area is being provided with the infrastructure and services they need, with rail to Western Sydney Airport being one of the most sought after,’’ Dr Freelander says in a letter to Mr Minns.
The letter is included in the business paper for next week’s monthly ordinary meeting of Campbelltown Council, which has been campaigning for rail link funding.
“I refer to your recent comments regarding the NSW Government’s decision not to fund rail lines from Western Sydney Airport (WSA) to the South West Sydney region,’’ says Dr Freelander in the letter.
“I am extremely disappointed with this decision, as are the hundreds of thousands of residents of our region, who are frustrated with the lack of reliable and efficient public transport services.
“South West Sydney is a rapidly growing area with ever increasing demands and strains on existing infrastructure, with lengthy travel times for work and congested roads and rail services,’’ says Dr Freelander.
In the letter, the federal member for Macarthur also calls on Mr Minns to reconsider his decision not to fund the rail links to the new airport.
“From its conception, I have strongly supported WSA and the need to link it to our region via rail, as it will help ensure WSA is economically viable and link passengers and employees to the aerotropolis.
“It is clear the NSW Government is pressing ahead with additional developments, resulting in more people moving into the Macarthur region, and so, our region needs similar levels of attention towards infrastructure and public transport services to help cope with this increase.
“The Federal Government is committed to the WSA rail link through our $1 billion land acquisition project, which will secure land for the NSW Government to link WSA to our region via rail.
“I encourage the NSW Government to work with the Federal Government, as well as the Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly LGAs, to deliver this crucial public transport infrastructure project.
“The NSW Government has reaped billions of dollars from residents of South West Sydney, through new developments, stamp duty and road tolls.
“As such, our residents must receive their fair share in infrastructure projects and should not be treated as second class citizens.
“Premier, I you to reconsider your decision not to fund a rail link, as this is vital for our region.’’
I support Dr Freelander’s letter to the Premier.
When you note the use of the Kingsford- Smith Rail link by people coming from the Southern Highlands and Macarthur to go to the Airport you can see the value of a Rail Link for our region to the Western Sydney Airport. Reducing the number of cars and congestion.