More funding for key roads in Macarthur

Key priority road works in Camden and Campbelltown were the focus of a local government roundtable this week.

Federal minister for local government Kristy McBain and Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander, joined local mayors to discuss where funding was needed the most in outer South Western Sydney. (They are pictured above with Campbelltown Mayor George Greiss at Glen Alpine Drive).

To improve road safety across Macarthur, Camden Council will receive more than $7.6 million under the Roads to Recovery (RTR) program over the next five years, a $3.3 million boost.

Campbelltown City Council will receive more than $9.7 million, a $4.2 million increase.

Projects funded to date under RTR include heavy patching and asphalt repairs to Glen Alpine Drive between Menangle Road and Mount Huon Circuit ($111,747), road surface and kerb upgrades to Anderson Road from Camden Valley Way to Dunn Road Roundabout ($309,000), and improvements to Welling Drive between Persoonia Close and Waterworth Drive ($398,161) – all fully funded by the Australian Government.

Under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, more than $1.3 million in funding is flowing to Camden Council, with over $1.7 million committed to Campbelltown City Council.

Projects being delivered through LRCI Phase 4 include upgrades to the Jack Nash Reserve Tennis and Basketball Courts ($200,000 in federal funding), timber floor replacement at Macquarie Fields Indoor Sports Centre ($412,000-– fully funded by the Albanese Government), full renewal of the Boyd Reserve Footbridge at Currans Hill ($100,000), and improvements to Kirkham Lane ($420,000).

On top of this, through the Local Roads Package, Campbelltown City Council has received over $26 million, with over $21 million flowing to Camden City Council, to support targeted road improvements across outer South-Western Sydney.

This includes $6.6 million to upgrade the Camden Valley Way and Hilder Street intersection with a two-land roundabout – a road network under growing demand.

The government is also boosting these councils’ capacity to maintain and upgrade local infrastructure across Macarthur through untied Financial Assistance (FA) Grant funding – with Campbelltown City Council receiving over $11.8 million in this financial year, and $5.5 million flowing to Camden Council.

“As our community continues to grow, the Albanese Government is stepping up and delivering significant funding increases across South-Western Sydney – ensuring local priority projects that boost liveability get off the ground,’’ Dr Freelander said.

“Whether it’s safer local roads or better recreation facilities – we’re building on our positive achievements in Macarthur to date, through strong collaborations with the community and all levels of government.”

Minister McBain said South-Western Sydney was one of the fastest-growing parts of the country.

“Which is why the Albanese Labor Government is investing millions of dollars to ensure that local roads, and the community facilities that bring people together, keep pace,’’ she said.

“We know that local roads across Macarthur are under more demand than ever – which is why we’ve significantly increased Roads to Recovery funding, to improve road safety and support local job opportunities.”