Deputy Premier Prue Car (left) with Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King (centre) and Liverpool MP Charishma Kaliyanda in Kemps Creek. Photo: Facebook/Prue Car MP.
After last year’s country-wide infrastructure cuts, the NSW Government has welcomed the Commonwealth’s $1.9 billion investment into Western Sydney road and transport projects.
The funding boost is expected to support the fastest-growing region in Australia, which will continue to foster new opportunities from its airport precinct now under construction.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the hard work the government had undertaken to clean up the infrastructure pipeline meant there was room to ensure current projects could be delivered and future measures planned.
“We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that increases opportunities and connections, builds communities and improves safety,” Ms King said.
“I thank the NSW Government for working closely with us to ensure the delivery of these projects.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the announcement was a game-changer for Western Sydney and would give investors the confidence they were looking for from government to begin making those plans a reality.
“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,” Ms Car said.
“We have developers ready to transform the region into modern employment, education and housing zones which are planned to attract 250,000 people.”
Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger applauded the Commonwealth’s announcement for the region.
“Like many people, I was very disappointed by the announcement of cuts by the Federal Government earlier in the year to key projects such as the M7/M12 interchange,” Mr Borger said. “So it is welcome news to see a turnaround and a commitment to these critical projects.”
Key funding details for the project 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 the Elizabeth Drive upgrade, building on the NSW Government’s existing $200 million commitment for Elizabeth Drive safety and enabling works
- A further $115 million federal commitment for Mulgoa Road Stage 2, allowing 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, supporting the NSW Government’s existing $385 million commitment
- A $100 million federal investment to deliver new infrastructure to support bus services to the Western Sydney International Airport
- A $20 million federal investment to support the delivery of the final business case for Stage 1 of the Western Sydney Freight Line.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen also thanked the Federal Government for helping to deliver future bus services to connect passengers in the west to their new airport that’s set to open in 2026.
“Support for the Western Sydney Freight Line isn’t just about growing the Aerotropolis precinct,” Ms Haylen said.
“It’s also about getting freight off our roads and onto our rails so there’s more space for Western Sydney drivers and less traffic.”
State Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the bus services would also support the emerging city of Bradfield, among the LGAs making the most of the region’s rapid development.
“Commitments such as today’s are vital to giving industry the confidence to co-invest and get developments moving — which is important for bringing jobs to Western Sydney,” Mr Mookhey said.
“Funding will also go to continuing the critical planning work for key precinct road and rail connections, which will be crucial to establishing the next round of priority projects.”
