$1.9bn boost for major Aussie city

Sydney’s infrastructure bid in the western suburbs is now $1.9b richer after a federal investment in the development corridor.

The NSW state government and Commonwealth have jointly pushed to establish a corridor of transport, housing and infrastructure towards the under construction Western Sydney “Aerotropolis” over recent years. It comes as Sydney works to establish the suburb of Parramatta as a “second CBD” for the region, and broadens its train network offerings.

The $1.9b in road expansion investments, paid for by the federal government, will facilitate a Stage 2 upgrade for the recent Mamre Road project, the Elizabeth Drive upgrade, a larger stake in the Mulgoa Road project, bus service infrastructure and more.

“Today’s announcement is a game changer for Western Sydney,” Western Sydney Minister Prue Car said.

$1.9bn boost for major Aussie city

“It builds on hundreds of millions of dollars invested by NSW to deliver overdue precinct roads that will meet the existing needs of local residents, while unlocking development and new places for people to work and live.”

Ms Car said the various Western Sydney development projects were slated to drive 250,000 new residents into the area.

The major cash boost includes a $100m investment in bus services which will ferry commuters to and from the Western Sydney airport and Bradfield.

“We have been working closely with the Commonwealth government since the mid-year review to ensure NSW roads and public transport are in place to support Australia’s fastest growing region in our most populous state,” Roads Minister John Graham said.

“The Western Sydney Airport Precinct is a once in a generation, city shaping program. Cities aren’t built overnight, they take time and investment.

“This Commonwealth funding ensures we can stage delivery to keep unlocking opportunities for community and industry in the Western Sydney Airport Precinct.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said that the development would be a key employment driver.

“I am glad that the federal government has listened to the people of Western Sydney and its surrounds and has prioritised the development of the region as a whole.

“Funding will also go to continuing the critical planning work for key precinct road and rail connections, which will be crucial to establishing the next round of priority projects.”