Camden Council is calling for additional funding for priority projects and areas, after being left disappointed in the 2025 NSW Budget, announced by the State Government yesterday.
While funding was announced for two key priorities from Council's advocacy campaign, The Time Is Now, Camden Council believes the commitment doesn't go far enough.
$12.3 million has been committed to the planning of the Spring Farm Parkway Extension project, which is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments. While Council is pleased the project now has dedicated funding, it is set to cost almost $600 million in its entirety.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said whilst it is pleasing to see some outcomes for Camden this funding was barely a drop in the ocean.
"This project is one of Council's key priorities because it's essential for establishing a critical east-west transport link in the Macarthur region and addresses a major infrastructure gap by connecting Wollondilly, Campbelltown and Camden local government areas," she said.
"It was recently identified as a high priority initiative by the Western Sydney Transport Infrastructure Panel and will integrate key corridors including the Hume Motorway, Appin Road, Menangle Road and Camden Bypass into a seamless transport network, reducing congestion, improving travel times for commuters and freight vehicles, and relieving pressure on major roads.
"This $12.3 million commitment represents not even three per cent of the total cost of this project. It's great to have a start but we need more to truly see tangible outcomes."
Another $2.5 million has also been committed to increasing the sub-acute palliative care capacity at Camden Hospital. In the health space through its The Time Is Now campaign, Council has been calling on the State and Federal Governments to:
· Retain and redevelop Camden Hospital, expanding its capacity and enhancing its role in delivering palliative, allied and specialised care;
· Deliver a new major public hospital between Oran Park and the Western Sydney International Airport - with the NSW Government announcing recently plans for a future hospital in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis; and
· Fund co-located integrated health hubs in Oran Park and Leppington town centres.
Cr Cagney said that, once again, this commitment just wasn't enough.
"When you consider funding of $80 million for upgrades to Fairfield Hospital which was announced by the Federal Government a few weeks ago, the $2.5 million announced yesterday seems to pale in comparison," she said.
"Our population is booming, and our healthcare facilities need to catch up. The longer it takes to meaningfully upgrade Camden Hospital, the more pressure we place on patients, families and frontline staff.
"Our residents shouldn't have to travel to Campbelltown or Liverpool for their healthcare needs."
Also included in the Budget was the previously announced expansion of the renal dialysis unit at Camden Hospital.
For more information on The Time Is Now, which calls for urgent investment from the State and Federal Governments into hospitals, schools, roads and public transport in the Camden area, visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au/advocacy
