Camden Council is calling on both major parties to commit to delivering the critical road infrastructure needed in South West Sydney, after new election commitments again overlooked some of the region's most urgent priorities.
The Labor Federal Government promised $220 million to upgrade Windsor Road, while the Coalition announced $1.7 billion for various Western Sydney road and rail projects, but neither has committed to the vital upgrades identified in Camden Council's advocacy paper, The Time Is Now.
"If Windsor Road can receive $220 million or Edmondson Avenue can get $50 million, why are we still waiting for roads like Camden Valley Way, Rickard Road or Spring Farm Parkway to be funded?" said Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney.
"Camden is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. These roads aren't nice-to-haves, they are essential if we're going to keep up with the pace of growth, housing and jobs being delivered in the South West.
"We need the State and Federal governments to work together and step up with the funding our region desperately needs, because without a coordinated approach, our community will pay the price with congestion and delays."
Camden Council's advocacy paper The Time Is Now outlines the critical road upgrades urgently needed across the region, including:
- Rickard Road, Catherine Field to Leppington - a vital link between Oran Park and Leppington with no confirmed timeline for funding, acquisition or construction.
- Camden Bypass Extension - a $150 million upgrade needed to reduce congestion and improve safety across Camden Bypass, Narellan Road, The Northern Road and Camden Valley Way.
- Spring Farm Parkway Extension - Stage 2 - part of a $593.2 million project to create a much-needed east-west connection in the Macarthur region and integrate key arterial roads.
- Leppington Road Network - more than $500 million in upgrades needed to address poor road conditions, unlock development and improve liveability for residents in both Camden and Liverpool LGAs.
- Camden Valley Way Upgrade - more than $350 million required to widen the corridor and upgrade the Bringelly Road intersection to support housing growth and ease severe congestion.
- Raby Road Upgrade - a $150 million upgrade to widen this key east-west link, improve intersections and deliver active transport infrastructure.
"South West Sydney is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to population growth. The least we deserve is the infrastructure to support it," Mayor Cagney said.
"We're not asking for special treatment, just fair treatment. If other parts of Sydney can get road funding, there's no reason Camden should keep missing out.
"The time to act is now, before our roads are at a complete standstill."
To find out more about The Time Is Now, visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au/advocacy.
