NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey MLC met with Riverstone MP Warren Kirby in a community forum on the North West Business Chamber on Friday, 10 November 2023, in regards to the Minns Government’s goal to deal with “long overdue” infrastructure plans in North Western Sydney.
In the 2023-24 Budget, more than $600 million is aimed to be invested in North Western Sydney, alongside $200 million for the next two years for essential evacuation routes in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.
In addition, a $100 million price range is eyed for the widening and duplication works of Garfield Road East at Riverstone and an additional for Richmond Road widening, situated between Townson Road and the Westlink M7.
As the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley was flooded six occasions between 2020 and 2022, one of the impactful in latest decades, The NSW Government’s first Budget allotted about $433.1 million for a crossing at the Hawkesbury River at Richmond.
The Minns Government mentioned it will scrap draft planning proposals for Marsden Park North and Riverstone Town Centre on Sunday, 12 November, while West Schofields precinct will partially continue with its draft plans beneath strict situations.
The decision is a part of the Government’s election commitment to halt housing on high-risk flood plains in Western Sydney as a end result of issues in regards to the street network’s capacity to hold off disasters, as indicated by the Flood Evacuation Modelling (FEM) report.
Commissioned by the earlier government, the FEM report, which the Minns Government stated was by no means made public, indicates infrastructure that may fail in an emergency. The Government, since then, has released the mentioned report and allotted funds to infrastructure gaps.
Crowd At The North West Business Chamber
Community members at the north west enterprise chamber in riverstone lga © nsw government
The Government appointed Professor Roberta Ryan, a strategic planning expert, to impart impartial group liaison help to aid affected landowners in Marsden Park North, Riverstone Town Centre, and West Schofields to grasp and navigate the problem.
An additional $121 million can be allotted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority from the NSW Government’s first Budget, which adds to the state’s functionality to anticipate disasters.
The Minns Government talked about it didn't cause the problem but remains devoted to resolving it.
Deputy Premier Prue Car stated the investments by the Minns Government within the native roads community will present reduction to locals who get caught in traffic on Richmond Road.
“Locals have been asking for upgrades to their roads for years however their calls have fallen on deaf ears. https://hillstohawkesbury.com.au/investment-talks-for-northwest-sydney/ have listened and are appearing to provide relief in order that they're spending much less time of their vehicles and more time with their families at home,” the Deputy Premier said.
“Not only will these roads upgrades make our suburbs safer they may even make life easier for 1000's of motorists.”
On the other hand, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey acknowledged that the NSW Government has proven within the first Budget its dedication to a “safer and safer and disaster-prepared Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.”
“I wish to thank folks from Riverstone and surrounds for coming out right now and speaking in regards to the government’s plans.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby MP mentioned how delighted he is with the NSW Budget end result for Riverstone, especially the Government’s strategy to addressing “the past infrastructure shortcomings.”
“The Budget delivers $100 million for Garfield Rd East, $75,000 to Bandon Rd to bring the total funding to $150 million and $260m for Richmond Rd. All of these upgrades help tackle road deficiencies recognized within the FEM report,” Warren Kirby said.
“The Rouse Hill Hospital has lastly been funded for $700 million promised also allocates funding for the development of three new schools, local highway improvements, and the upgrade and delivery of Rouse Hill Hospital.