NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey MLC met with Riverstone MP Warren Kirby in a neighborhood discussion board 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 important evacuation routes within 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, positioned 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 recent decades, The NSW Government’s first Budget allocated about $433.1 million for a crossing at 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 underneath strict situations.
The determination is a half of the Government’s election commitment to halt housing on high-risk flood plains in Western Sydney because of considerations about the highway network’s capacity to hold off disasters, as indicated by the Flood Evacuation Modelling (FEM) report.
Commissioned by the previous authorities, the FEM report, which the Minns Government stated was by no means made public, indicates infrastructure that will fail in an emergency. The Government, since then, has launched the said report and allotted funds to infrastructure gaps.
Crowd At The North West Business Chamber
Community members at the north west business chamber in riverstone lga © nsw authorities
The Government appointed Professor Roberta Ryan, a strategic planning expert, to impart unbiased community liaison support to assist affected landowners in Marsden Park North, Riverstone Town Centre, and West Schofields to know 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 mentioned it did not trigger the problem but stays dedicated to resolving it.
Deputy Premier Prue Car mentioned the investments by the Minns Government within the native roads community will provide reduction 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 appearing to offer relief so that they are spending less time in their cars and more time with their households at residence,” the Deputy Premier stated.
“Not only will these roads upgrades make our suburbs safer they will also make life easier for thousands of motorists.”
On the opposite hand, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey acknowledged that the NSW Government has proven in the first Budget its commitment to a “safer and safer and disaster-prepared Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.”
“I need to thank individuals from Riverstone and surrounds for popping out today and talking about 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 strategy to addressing “the previous infrastructure shortcomings.”
“The Budget delivers $100 million for Garfield Rd East, $75,000 to Bandon Rd to deliver 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 stated.
“ Investment Talks for North West Sydney’s Infrastructure has lastly been funded for $700 million promised additionally allocates funding for the construction of three new colleges, local highway improvements, and the improve and delivery of Rouse Hill Hospital.