Penrith City Council has released a list of “gaps” in the roadmap for the delivery of critical infrastructure surrounding the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said Council welcomed the release of Infrastructure NSW’s Aerotropolis Sector Plan, but there were gaps in the plan relating to critical roads supporting the Aerotropolis.
He also stressed that it was critical for public infrastructure plans for Western Sydney to be fast-tracked and finalised, so that the extraordinary potential of the region could be realised.
“It’s important to note that this plan considers the Aerotropolis only,” Carney said.
“It’s only one piece of the broader Western Sydney puzzle.”
“We call on both the federal and state governments to consider gaps in the plan and look at the long-term delivery and funding of infrastructure throughout western Sydney.”
Chief among Council’s concerns is Luddenham Road, which it wants designated as a State Road with upgrades to be prioritised. The Sector Plan delays major upgrades until 2040, where Penrith Council sees this as an urgent safety issue.
“15 years for major upgrades on this key road is just too long. Council is calling on the NSW Government to reclassify this road from Local to State, given its critical and evolving role,” he said.
“We are also calling for road safety improvements to be implemented as an interim measure, while the ultimate design to ensure a safer, more connected and future-ready transport network can be delivered.”
Council is also calling for full funding to upgrade Mamre Road beyond the first two stages, and integration with Elizabeth Drive, which it calls “the missing north-south link”.
“There is currently a key gap between Kerrs Road and Elizabeth Drive. This missing connection prevents seamless north-south movement, vital for supporting the regional’s economic growth and this road as a gateway to the airport,” Carney said.
Council also wants full length north-south rail, more funding for Elizabeth Drive and the staged delivery of Castlereagh Connection.
It has also called for funding to complete Stages 5A and 5B of the Mulgoa Road overhaul before the airport opens.
Buses are also on Council’s list.
The Sector Plan funds general bus services, but not a dedicated rapid bus service. Penrith Council is advocating for a dedicated rapid bus service to connect major employment and residential hubs and strengthen public transport links throughout western Sydney and to the new airport.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.