There have been some significant wins for infrastructure in outer suburbs in this election campaign.
However a more long term strategic approach is still missing, according to a key advocacy group.
The major political parties have gone some way to addressing the $50 billion backlog in roads, public transport and health facilities in these areas, by between them backing 12 of the projects advocated by the Fund our Future campaign.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Hawker, said he was pleased that both major parties have made a financial commitment towards these projects.
“If delivered, these projects would ease nightmare commutes for residents in the short term, but on their own they won’t bring about the long term benefits a strategic approach would deliver,” Cr Hawker said.
The Fund Our Future campaign calls for a dedicated national fund for growing outer suburbs.
“But priority projects were used to illustrate the sorts of infrastructure that could be a reality if a fund were established.
“While the Fund our Future campaign has made progress, we will continue to advocate for what is really needed: a long term approach to these areas – and a fund to match.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]”That’s the way that we can seriously address these chronic infrastructure issues which already affect five million residents.”[/social_quote]
Almost 100,000 emails have been sent to Canberra supporting the call for a dedicated infrastructure fund for fast growing outer regions like Macarthur.
One of the developments for outer suburbs was the Liberal Party’s commitment to a City Deal for Western Sydney, which would be centred around Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek.
The NGAA previously revealed its research, carried out by PwC (Price Waterhouse Coopers) which draws on the UK’s City Deals approach and experience in Canada.
It showed there is an opportunity for Australia to capitalise on the growth in these areas nationally.
The work says that with the right investment, these areas could be competitive not only nationally, but globally.
Commitments to Fund our Future projects:
Both parties have earmarked $50 million for the upgrade of Appin Road.
Also, the Liberal Party has committed to two other roads: $80 million towards the upgrade of Mulgoa Road in Penrith and $2 million towards widening Campbelltown’s Badgally Road.
The Labor Party has committed to another Sydney project highlighted by the campaign: a rail link connecting the city’s north-west and south-west, which would service the new airport.
If elected, Labor says a Shorten Government would contribute $400 million for the rail link.
The Greens have indicated that as well as investing in public transport, they will invest $250m in arterial roads in suburban and outer urban communities.
Residents and those working in fast-growing outer suburbs are encouraged to take part in the Fund our Future campaign by signing and sharing the petition.
To sign the petition visit the Fund our Future website here. The petition will close at midnight on Friday.
The residents of Appin need transparency, from all levels of Government, we are like the mushrooms yet the most affected by this. We hear the 4 lanes for Appin Road, will only be the length of Mt.Gilead proposed new estate, yet on Wollongong radio yesterday they stated 4 lanes the full length of Appin Road. Add to this local business having to close, families having to relocate children to different schools, the financial hardship faced by so many because of Broughton Pass bridge closure, it all seems very unfair.