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, about the Minns Government’s purpose 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 following two years for essential evacuation routes within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.
In addition, a $100 million budget is eyed for the widening and duplication works of Garfield Road East at Riverstone and an additional for Richmond Road widening, located between Townson Road and the Westlink M7.
As the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley was flooded six times between 2020 and 2022, one of the most impactful in current decades, The NSW Government’s first Budget allocated 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, whereas West Schofields precinct will partially proceed with its draft plans underneath strict circumstances.
The choice is a part of the Government’s election commitment to halt housing on high-risk flood plains in Western Sydney as a result of considerations about the road network’s capacity to carry off disasters, as indicated by the Flood Evacuation Modelling (FEM) report.
Commissioned by the previous authorities, the FEM report, which the Minns Government said was never made public, signifies infrastructure that may fail in an emergency. The Government, since then, has released the stated report and allotted funds to infrastructure gaps.
Crowd At The North West Business Chamber
Community members on the north west enterprise chamber in riverstone lga © nsw government
The Government appointed Professor Roberta Ryan, a strategic planning professional, to impart impartial neighborhood liaison help to help affected landowners in Marsden Park North, Riverstone Town Centre, and West Schofields to understand and navigate the issue.
An additional $121 million is also allotted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority from the NSW Government’s first Budget, which provides to the state’s capability to anticipate disasters.
The Minns Government talked about it did not cause the problem however stays dedicated to resolving it.
Investment Talks for North West Sydney’s Infrastructure stated the investments by the Minns Government within the local roads community will present relief to locals who get caught in visitors on Richmond Road.
“Locals have been asking for upgrades to their roads for years however their calls have fallen on deaf ears. We have listened and are acting to supply aid so that they are spending less time of their vehicles and more time with their families at residence,” the Deputy Premier said.
“Not only will these roads upgrades make our suburbs safer they may even make life simpler for hundreds of motorists.”
On the other hand, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said that the NSW Government has shown in 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 popping out right now and speaking about the government’s plans.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby MP talked about how delighted he is with the NSW Budget consequence for Riverstone, especially the Government’s method to addressing “the past infrastructure shortcomings.”
“The Budget delivers $100 million for Garfield Rd East, $75,000 to Bandon Rd to bring the entire funding to $150 million and $260m for Richmond Rd. All of these upgrades assist address road deficiencies identified in the FEM report,” Warren Kirby mentioned.
“The Rouse Hill Hospital has lastly been funded for $700 million promised also allocates funding for the development of three new colleges, native street enhancements, and the upgrade and delivery of Rouse Hill Hospital.