Gladys Berejiklian was elected premier of NSW this week, but it’s the MP for Campbelltown, Greg Warren, who’s hit the ground running.
He has wasted no time writing to the 45th premier to let her know what the local priorities were.
Mr Warren told Premier Berejiklian the major issues of concern in his electorate were:
• The $130 million bbacklog of maintenance at public schools in the Macarthur region;
• the long wait times at Campbelltown Hospital for emergency and elective surgery;
• the need for a rail overpass connecting Badgally Road and Broughton Street;
• the closure of the Campbelltown, Ingleburn and Narellan motor registries;
• building the Menangle-Spring Farm Parkway;
• the need for additional 887 bus services between Campbelltown and Wollongong to service local university students.
“As you would be aware, the Macarthur region is one of the fastest in the state, with its population expected to exceed half a million people within the next two decades,’’ Mr Warren wrote in his letter to the premier.
“As such, it is vital that Governments of all levels, but particularly the NSW Government, is proactive in its approach to local infrastructure.
“There are a number of significant infrastructure projects that the Macarthur region desperately needs to cope with the massive urban development and surge in population it is set to experience.
“In particular, the Menangle-Spring Farm Parkway road is a vital connection in our region’s road network.
“Another project that is greatly important for the future connectivity of the Macarthur region is the construction of a rail overpass connecting Badgally Road and Broughton Street,’’ Mr Warren wrote.
“While the Macarthur region undoubtedly has significant road and public transport infrastructure requirements that must be addressed urgently, equally important are its needs in terms of social infrastructure.
“With a booming population comes increased demand for health, education and other vital services and this increased demand must be met with increased investment from the NSW Government.
“In particular, the $130 million backlog of maintenance at public schools in the Macarthur region is of great concern.
“For the Government to be sitting on surpluses of several billion dollars while students at local schools are forced to put up with inadequately maintained educational facilities is simply unacceptable, and I urge you and your Government to rectify this issue in Campbelltown and across NSW as a matter of urgency.
“As you can see Premier, there are a number of issues confronting the people of Campbelltown that require serious and urgent attention and action from the NSW Government.
“I will happily work with anyone from any side of politics to deliver the outcomes my community expects and deserves, and in that vein I look forward to working with you to address these many and varying issues,’’ Mr Warren wrote.
