On Wednesday 24 November, Transport for NSW released the full details of the Review of Environmental Factors process undertaken for the proposed Great Western Highway duplication from Little Hartley to Lithgow.
Commencing Wednesday 24 November, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has publicised the results of its Review of Environmental Factors (REF), with the intent of seeking public comment on the document.
"This is an extremely important project for our region," said Lithgow City Council's Mayor, Councillor Ray Thompson. "It is a federally significant project, listed as a national priority by Infrastructure Australia, promoting improved national connectivity with respect to freight, tourism, safety and network efficiency. There is no doubt that this project reflects the next step towards a broad transport solution which meets the needs of our future with respect to safety, capacity, efficiency and reliability."
"However, it is our LGA and residents most prominently affected by this portion of the project and for this reason, it is very important that we closely consider the document and make comment wherever appropriate. We have a beautiful and unique area, filled with built and natural endowments which are representative of our history and values. Not only should this project seek to protect these, rather, we should be advocating for a solution which accentuates these distinguishing factors."
"Gone are the days where roads are just roads," noted Mayor Thompson. "Today, roads represent active transport opportunities supporting healthy communities, a method of focussing attention on heritage and environmental wonders, emphasising the uniqueness of locale and supporting the growth of rural communities through employment opportunities. Alongside the Council, I strongly encourage our community to consider this document and comment on whether it meets our individual and collective needs."
Lithgow City Council will be supporting TfNSW in the circulation of this document by hosting copies of the document at its Administration Building at 180 Mort Street, Lithgow, and at the Lithgow Library at 157 Main Street, Lithgow. Alternatively, a virtual consultation room can be accessed at nswroads.work/gwhwestconsult and the REF downloaded from https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/great-western-highway/west/download-ref. The public exhibition period closes 22 December 2021.
