Aerotropolis Road Funding Boost a Welcome Step Toward Driving Investment in Western Sydney Jobs
The Property Council of Australia today welcomed the NSW Government's commitment of an additional $150 million in funding for roadworks across the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, calling it another positive step towards boosting investment, jobs and infrastructure in the region.
Property Council Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove said the new investment built on momentum created by last year's $2 billion roads package and reflected the priorities long championed by the Property Council's Jobs Need Roads campaign
"Roads are the growth arteries of the Aerotropolis. When investors have confidence in infrastructure delivery, it has confidence to invest," Mr Grove said.
"For more than three years we've been calling out the need for the NSW Government to invest in development enabling roads in Western Sydney - it's great to see that call being answered with further funding to get these vital roads moving."
Mr Grove said growth pressures had left existing road infrastructure crumbling, with the area struggling to support industrial expansion near the new Airport.
"We've seen the road network around the airport degraded by heavy vehicles and rising demand - in some areas it's been reduced to a patchwork of potholes and bitumen filler. More funding for road upgrades is just what we need to keep industry moving into areas around the new Airport.
The new funding complements earlier state and federal commitments to the Mamre Road and Elizabeth Drive upgrades as well as continued planning for the Eastern Ring Road and Badgerys Creek Road South.
As part of today's announcement, the government also confirmed a $644 million budget for the Mamre Road Precinct Stormwater Scheme and funding for a new fire station in Luddenham.
"Mamre Road is home to one of Australia's largest stormwater schemes - but it is also home to one of the largest developer contributions," Mr Grove said.
"When the precinct was rezoned in 2020, the expected stormwater levy was around $300,000 per hectare. That figure has risen to $877,000, and an interim bonding rate of $1.019 million per hectare is now set in the adjoining Aerotropolis precinct.
"The unforeseen increase in charges is a challenge for landowners and investors. Industry will be working closely with Sydney Water and the NSW Government to make sure the cost of the scheme doesn't impede the economic activation of these lands," Mr Grove said.
