Critical infrastructure projects from Liverpool to the Southern Highlands could face the axe from an Albanese Government funding review.
The review – of all NSW infrastructure projects in NSW – has come under fire, especially in Wollondilly, which has the most to lose in outer South Western Sydney.
Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould has expressed concern that funding committed by the previous government for Silverdale Road, Picton Road, planning of the Picton Bypass, the metro rail link and the Campbelltown commuter car park could all be at risk.
And the federal member for Hume and shadow treasurer Angus Taylor says Labor is demonstrating it doesn’t have a plan for the sustainable growth of our regions or the safety of our roads by threatening to cut local infrastructure projects.
Mr Taylor said delivery of the Picton Bypass and Southern Highlands overtaking rail infrastructure projects are at risk because of the funding review.
“Prior to the Federal election last year, the Coalition committed $95.6 million to deliver the Picton Bypass and Picton Road safety upgrades and $41.6 million to deliver rail infrastructure works at Picton, Werai and Joppa Junction to enable freight trains to be overtaken by faster services,” Mr Taylor said.
Any funding cuts could be a huge setback to the Wollondilly Shire,’’ warns Mayor Gould.
“We have received funding commitments through a range of programs which the previous federal government had committed to, including road safety improvements on major transport links through the Shire, such as Silverdale Road and Picton Road,’’ he said.
“Safety should not be compromised on these high traffic connecting roads and the planned upgrades must go ahead.
“Expansion of the Campbelltown commuter car park is also an essential project for the people of Macarthur and Wollondilly, with a considerable proportion of local residents using that facility to access trains to the city, given the infrequency of trains from the Southern Highlands.
“The Picton Bypass is needed to create a safe evacuation route during emergencies, to reduce traffic chaos and accidents when the historic Victoria Bridge is closed in Picton, to provide an alternate route for heavy vehicles, and to reduce the expected traffic increase due to future growth.
“Our connection to the new airport and the Sydney CBD will also be compromised if the Macarthur metro line does not go ahead,’’ he said.
