Australian Govt invests $1.9bn towards Western Sydney transport infrastructure

The Australian Government is investing $1.9 billion towards Western Sydney infrastructure to help this fast-growing region cement its future as a hub for growth and opportunities. 

This significant investment will fund 14 new projects and provide additional funding for two existing projects. 

“My Government is proud to support the people of Western Sydney and deliver the roads and rail lines they need and deserve. 

“This is in addition to the new Western Sydney airport and the recently opened Moorebank Intermodal Precinct which will drive jobs and economic activity for Western Sydney. 

“We are getting on with delivering a better future for all Australians, one made in Australia that builds economic opportunity and thriving communities,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. 

“Today’s announcement is a game changer for Western Sydney. It builds on hundreds of millions of dollars invested by NSW to deliver overdue precinct roads that will meet the existing needs of local residents, while unlocking development and new places for people to work and live. 

“We have developers ready to transform the region into modern employment, education and housing zones which are planned to attract 250,000 people. 

“Today’s announcement will give investors the confidence they are looking for from government to begin making those plans a reality,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said. 

These projects aim to improve the quality of life of Western Sydney families while expanding access to new job opportunities brought about by the Western Sydney Airport Precinct. 

The new investment from the Federal Government includes construction and planning projects, which will ensure the delivery of a pipeline of future road investments that are properly scoped, designed and costed. 

“We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that increases opportunities and connections, builds communities and improves safety. 

“The hard work we undertook to clean up the mess in the infrastructure pipeline means there is room to ensure current projects can be delivered and plan for future projects. 

“I thank the NSW Government for working closely with us to ensure the delivery of these projects,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Funding details for the projects covered by the almost $2 billion investment include: 

• The new $500 million federal investment in Mamre Road Stage 2 will add to the $253.6 million already allocated by the NSW Government for Stage 1 of the project. 
• A $400 million federal investment to deliver priority sections of Elizabeth Drive upgrade. This builds on the NSW Government’s $200 million commitment for Elizabeth Drive safety and enabling works 
• A further $115 million Federal Government commitment for Mulgoa Road Stage 2 will allow the NSW Government to move ahead with upgrades to the pinch point 
• The new $500 million federal investment for Richmond Road, Garfield Road and Memorial Avenue will support the NSW Government’s existing $385 million commitment 
• A $100 million federal investment to deliver new infrastructure to support bus services to the WSI airport 
• A $20 million federal investment to support the delivery of the final business case for Stage 1 of the Western Sydney Freight Line 

The major investment will also fund projects such as upgrades to Appin Road, Spring Farm Parkway as well as deliver bus infrastructure for the future Western Sydney Airport. In addition, it will provide $147.5 million for planning for roads and rail across greater Western Sydney to ensure road infrastructure can cope with the growing population. 

“The Western Sydney Airport Precinct is a once in a generation, city shaping program. Cities aren’t built overnight – they take time and investment. This Commonwealth funding ensures we can stage delivery to keep unlocking opportunities for community and industry in the Western Sydney Airport Precinct,” Minister for Roads John Graham said. 

“I am glad that the Federal Government has listened to the people of Western Sydney and its surrounds and has prioritised the development of the region as a whole,” NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said. 

“Cities can’t grow without the transport links that get people and goods from place to place. That is why this is such an important, city shaping commitment from the Federal Government to help deliver the transport links which will help the new city here grow,” Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Yahoo! News