Three infrastructure projects in Box Hill have received a much-needed funding boost through the NSW Government's Western Sydney Growth Areas Special Infrastructure Contributions (SIC) program following applications and advocacy from The Hills Shire Council.
The NSW Government's $11.7 million funding included:
- $5.6 million for the construction of The Water Lane Road, Box Hill
- $3.5 million for land acquisition towards a new fire station at Box Hill and
- $2.6 million for planning and design of the Terry Road Upgrade, Box Hill
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the funding for crucial projects was a welcome start to tackling Box Hill's infrastructure backlog, but much more was needed.
"It's great that the NSW Government is starting to listen after 20,000 people signed our Fight for a Fairer Hills Future petition for better roads, schools and parks across The Hills Shire, and a better deal for our residents in Box Hill," Mayor Byrne said.
"Box Hill is facing a $207 million infrastructure shortfall due to the decisions of successive state governments. Without this funding, critical projects such as sports fields, road upgrades and parks are at risk of not being delivered.
"The shortfall in funding rapidly spiralled due to rising land and construction costs and the Government's undervalued estimated for land costs in the Contributions Plan.
"The $11.7 million announced is a great start to meeting the State Government's regional infrastructure obligations, but it's only the tip of the iceberg.
"When the Box Hill Precinct was rezoned by the State Government in 2013, the Precinct was projected to accommodate 9,600 dwellings (28,000 additional people). At the time, the Government identified a need for three public primary schools and one public K-12 school to serve the Precinct. However, the population projection has since ballooned to over 16,000 dwellings (49,000 additional people), yet the number of planned schools has not increased.
"Our residents in Box Hill will be happy to hear these three projects have been given a kickstart, but the question on everyone's minds will be: 'What about the rest?'"
If the $207 million local infrastructure shortfall is not addressed, Council will not be able to deliver the remainder of the work program for the Precinct which includes:
- 16 playing fields
- 7 local parks
- 7 drainage basins (including culverts/rain gardens)
- 14 traffic signals
- 10 roundabouts
- 3 vehicular bridges
- 2 pedestrian bridges
- 13 km half width local roads
- 10.4 km of shared paths
The Fight for a Fairer Hills Future campaign's petition has reached over 20,000 signatures, triggering a debate in NSW Parliament in the coming months about The Hills Shire's infrastructure concerns. Residents and other stakeholders can still sign the petition until Friday, 5 September.
For more information about the campaign and to sign the petition, visit: www.fairerhillsfuture.com.au
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