“This government only sees dollar signs, not people,’’ says local MP Greg Warren of the treatment of residents whose homes may be impacted by the proposed Spring Farm link road.
“The human cost, not just the cost to build the actual road, must be considered by this government when making a decision on the final route,’’ Mr Warren said.
“These aren’t just people’s houses, they are their homes.”
Mr Warren wrote to the transport and roads minister Andrew Constance late last year regarding the proposed four routes of the road link between Appin Road and Menangle Road.
Several residents raised concerns about the two most northern options which appeared to go through the southern boundaries of homes in Glen Alpine, Gilead and Rosemeadow.
The residents pointed out that the two most southern options did not dissect existing residential developments and therefore would be more acceptable.
Mr Warren didn’t receive a reply from the minister, instead it was left to the parliamentary secretary for transport and roads to provide a response to him.
However, Mr Warren says the response he received from Elini Petinos did not address concerns that the human cost, not just the cost of the project, be considered when making a decision on the final route.
“As I said in my letter to the minister for transport and roads, the two most southern routes may be longer and potentially more expensive, but they would have far less impact on residents in existing residential areas,” he said.
“For 10 years this government has treated the people of Campbelltown and the wider Macarthur region with utter disdain – that must change.
“Instead of fobbing off the responsibility of a response to a colleague, the minister should get in his car, head out to Campbelltown, and speak directly to residents about their very legitimate concerns.’’
