Proactive investment is key to realising vision

Thursday, 20 June 2024

The NSW Government’s budget handed down by NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey yesterday which has a strong focus on roads, rail and recreation will be of great benefit to the people and businesses of Penrith.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney welcomed the injection of funding saying proactive investment in infrastructure is key to realising the region’s vision.

“Penrith and Western Sydney finds itself at a crossroads grappling with the challenge of delivering much needed transport infrastructure to keep pace with current and expected growth,” Cr Carney said.

“More people are choosing to live and work in Western Sydney; and with the need for Councils to increase jobs and housing supply, infrastructure and transport links are urgently needed to accommodate our growing population.

“I’m pleased the NSW Government has taken its budget delivery as an opportunity to address the infrastructure challenges our region is facing.”

Funding for Mulgoa and Mamre Roads along with Elizabeth Drive, all of which are critical transport corridors, have received a funding boost to ensure their delivery. In addition, the NSW Government will fund planning for the Werrington Arterial and Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Evacuation Road Resilience. The ongoing commitment to flood evacuation is welcomed.

The final business case for the Western Sydney Freight Line (Stage 1) which will service the logistics needs of Western Sydney has received funding, while bus users will see a marked change in services through an improvement project in addition to a rapid bus service to Western Sydney International airport from the Penrith CBD.

A favourite among residents, Penrith Beach will return for the 2024/25 summer with $2.5m in funding for activations on the site, while the adjoining Penrith Lakes receives $1.9m for essential water management and heritage work.

Education, housing and health will all receive funding that will boost delivery and availability of services.

“This budget is a step in the right direction in addressing the long-term vision and consistent investment in critical infrastructure which is necessary to drive Western Sydney's economic potential and productivity gains,” Cr Carney said.

“We need to ensure that a coordinated approach to infrastructure planning, funding, and delivery is prioritised and that infrastructure identification precedes land rezoning, and done so with a clear funding strategy embedded in future government budgets.

“It’s the long-term vision and consistent investment that is necessary to drive Western Sydney's economic potential and productivity gains.”

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 20 June 2024.