NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey MLC met with Riverstone MP Warren Kirby in a community discussion board at 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 Investment Talks for North West Sydney’s Infrastructure -24 Budget, more than $600 million is aimed to be invested in North Western Sydney, alongside $200 million for the following two years for important 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 extra for Richmond Road widening, situated between Townson Road and the Westlink M7.
As the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley was flooded six instances between 2020 and 2022, one of the most impactful in current a long time, The NSW Government’s first Budget allotted about $433.1 million for a crossing on the Hawkesbury River at Richmond.
The Minns Government said it's going to 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 under strict conditions.
The determination is a part of the Government’s election dedication to halt housing on high-risk flood plains in Western Sydney as a result of concerns 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 said was by no means made public, signifies infrastructure that will fail in an emergency. The Government, since then, has released the said 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 authorities
The Government appointed Professor Roberta Ryan, a strategic planning expert, to impart independent group liaison support to aid affected landowners in Marsden Park North, Riverstone Town Centre, and West Schofields to understand and navigate the issue.
An further $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 mentioned it didn't trigger the issue but stays dedicated to resolving it.
Deputy Premier Prue Car mentioned the investments by the Minns Government in the native roads community will provide aid to locals who get caught in traffic on Richmond Road.
“Locals have been asking for upgrades to their roads for years but their calls have fallen on deaf ears. We have listened and are acting to supply aid in order that they're spending less time of their automobiles and extra time with their families at home,” the Deputy Premier stated.
“Not only will these roads upgrades make our suburbs safer they may also make life easier for hundreds of motorists.”
On the opposite hand, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey stated that the NSW Government has proven within the first Budget its dedication to a “safer and more secure and disaster-prepared Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.”
“I need to thank people from Riverstone and surrounds for popping out at present and talking in regards to the government’s plans.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby MP mentioned how delighted he is with the NSW Budget consequence for Riverstone, especially the Government’s method to addressing “the previous infrastructure shortcomings.”
“The Budget delivers $100 million for Garfield Rd East, $75,000 to Bandon Rd to deliver the whole funding to $150 million and $260m for Richmond Rd. All of these upgrades assist address highway deficiencies identified within the FEM report,” Warren Kirby stated.
“The Rouse Hill Hospital has finally been funded for $700 million promised also allocates funding for the construction of three new colleges, native road improvements, and the improve and delivery of Rouse Hill Hospital.