Three local MPs have backed the NSW Government’s Outer South West Integrated Transport Plan, which is aimed at improving road and transport connectivity in the region.
When the plan is implemented in full – although there is currently no timetable – it will support growing communities across the Camden, Campbelltown and Wollondilly local government areas by prioritising connectivity, increasing transport options, and reducing congestion on roads.
The plan will also consider how to improve access to the Illawarra area, already a popular weekend destination for people living in outer South Western Sydney.
“The future of Sydney depends on good planning. Part of this is to readjust a mindset that transport needs to solely focus on getting people to Town Hall or Wynyard,’’ says the Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren.
“We need to provide reliable, efficient access to the major community and employment zones developing around Campbelltown and the outer South Western Sydney region.”
Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan, also supports the plan.
“It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government planning for the future of Sydney’s South West – better transport and infrastructure options for our communities means better access to work, schools and community centres,’’ says Ms Hannan.
“We want to support connectivity not only to the rest of the city, but within our region, too.”
Member for Camden Sally Quinnell MP noted the three local government areas are all growing quickly.
“We need to ensure we have the infrastructure to support this growth – whether it’s making it easier for families to get to work or improving connections to local amenities,’’ she said.
“From a transport point of view, we want to make sure those links are in place.”
Transport for NSW will draw on existing planning work and new community feedback, and will work closely with government partners, including local councils, to develop the Outer South West Integrated Transport Plan.
The plan builds on $95 million already committed by the NSW and Australian Governments to support planning for critical road upgrades in South Western Sydney, including the Hume Motorway, Cowpasture Road, Camden Valley Way and Menangle Road.
These upgrades are central to supporting housing growth in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area and the South West Growth Area.
Initial investigations are under way for the Menangle Road corridor upgrade, with a Strategic Business Case nearing completion.
This new funding allocation will allow the development of concept designs and final business case for the priority sections of the future corridor upgrade.
This is in addition to ongoing commitment, including $15 million (State and Federal funding) to complete the final business case for Spring Farm Parkway Stage 2.
There’s also $327.1 million (State funding) for delivery of new Western Sydney bus services connecting Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown to the new airport and Bradfield city.
Another allocation made, $100 million (State and Federal funding) is for the South West Sydney Rail business case.
We need Wildllife Overbridges, Wildlife Reserves to work with and protect Wildlife Corridors on both sides of the road to to be included in upgrades of Roads. We need this firstly on Appin Raod, Menangle Road, Picton Road, Remembrance Drive, Macarthur Drive and the Hume Highway.
There will be only two culverts for travel under the very long Appin Road with fencing as seen on Picton Road.It is not enough and too few as Wildlife are still being killed.
In protecting our Wildlife we save Human life , injury , damage to vehicles and insurance costs.
Why is our region the poor relation in not getting the protections for Wildlfe and Humans that others in our State enjoy on the road system ?
With the road improvement I hope the Department of Transport works with Bus companies and Schools to maximise safety of School Children and Adults who may have to cross busy roads.