The Coalition would fund the final stage of the Mulgoa Road upgrade if it wins next month’s Federal Election.
The commitment – not matched by Labor at this stage – was announced by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton last week, along with a number of other major western Sydney funding commitments.
“I want western Sydney to be the economic powerhouse that we know it can be. Part of that is ensuring we build the roads and the infrastructure that western Sydney needs,” Dutton said.
“A Government that I lead understands that investing in infrastructure is crucial to realising western Sydney’s full potential.
“These investments will be a game changer for western Sydney: it will mean better roads and less congestion. It will mean less time spent on roads and in traffic and more time spent with your family.
“It will also take pressure off the broader Sydney network which we know is critical. Greater Western Sydney’s population is projected to hit 3.2 million by 2036. We must invest now to keep pace with this growth and make sure the community doesn’t fall behind.”
The funding is for Stages 5A and 5B, which takes in Blaikie Road to Jamison Road and then Jamison Road to Union Road. At this stage, this section has planning funding only.
In addition to the Mulgoa Road upgrade, $18.8 million will also go to businesses cases to upgrade previously semi rural roads that will be important to the movement of freight to and from the Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), and $15 million to plan future upgrades to the Old Windsor Road-Windsor Road corridor and Werrington Arterial Stage two business case.
Federal Member for Lindsay and Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Melissa McIntosh welcomed the announced funding.
“The Albanese Labor Government ripped away funding from Mulgoa Road, leaving the people of our community with an unfinished upgrade between Blaikie Road to Union Road,” she said.
“… we announced the a Dutton Liberal Government will restore this funding and get the Mulgoa Road upgrade back on track. I know how important finishing this upgrade to Mulgoa Road is for our Glenmore Park, Regentivlle, Jamisontown and South Penrith residents, and everyone who travels along that road. In addition, Luddenham Road needs planning funding for an upgrade to make sure the pot-holed road leading to our new Airport is fit for purpose.”
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney called on Labor to match the Coalition’s commitment to Mulgoa Road.
“Penrith Council has been calling for funding for some time to complete the missing upgrade link on Mulgoa Road, and I look forward to this announcement being matched by the Australian Government,” he said.
“Upgrading Mulgoa Road is essential to close gaps in Penrith’s busiest arterial corridor, supporting regional north-south connectivity and future economic and residential growth.”
Labor candidate for Lindsay Hollie McLean said the funding for Lindsay has come after “years of not investing”.
“The Liberals took western Sydney for granted with 10 years of not investing in the infrastructure it needs,” McLean said.
“Peter Dutton has picked one infrastructure project in Lindsay to commit funding to. This is in contrast to the billions of dollars across multiple region defining projects the Albanese government has backed, is backing, and will back, because this government fundamental believes in the opportunity and promise of western Sydney and its people.”
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.