UDIA welcomes the Government’s announcement of a $1 billion investment from the WestInvest fund to upgrade critical roads across Western Sydney. “UDIA has long called for this type of commitment to Western Sydney particularly as the projects announced align with those identified in UDIA NSW Building Blocks Greater Western Sydney Report to enable growth,” said Steve Mann, CEO, UDIA NSW.
Ensuring enabling infrastructure is prioritised, funded and delivered is critical for the delivery of new housing in the state. What we need to see is the government delivering on improved access through the ongoing expansion of the transport network that better connects the West with the West and investment in growth infrastructure to sustain housing.
Infrastructure delivery however, remains a major roadblock to new housing supply in NSW and while UDIA welcomes the $400 million worth of road upgrades to support increased capacity and flood evacuation and mitigation for Garfield Road East, The Pitt Town Bypass and Elizabeth Drive, a further $600 million for road infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the 15 eligible WestInvest Local Government Areas will provide a further boost for local communities.
In our Building Blocks Greater Western Sydney 2021, UDIA identified ten infrastructure projects to deliver up to 70,000 dwellings, at a cost of around $500 million. Whilst a combination of Federal, State, and private sector funding has been allocated for five projects to support up to 30,000 dwellings, we urge a funding commitment for the remaining five projects to release a further 37,5000 dwellings. See table below.
A key to Western Sydney’s growth is the Aerotropolis, the largest masterplanned city in Australia’s history.
UDIA NSW recognises the investment by Government in infrastructure for Aerotropolis, including the Phase 1 Regional Roads for the Aerotropolis (completed in 2020) and the NBW Airport, the Western Sydney Airport Metro and the Advanced Water Recycling Facility and the Bradfield Zone Substation which are in construction and due for completion by 2026/27.
Sydney Metro recently commenced a four year business case assessment for the South West Rail Link Extension and business case development is also occurring for Multi Utility Corridors and Phase 2 Aerotropolis local roads and Aerotropolis and Mamre Road Stormwater Strategy. These projects need to be funded and delivered if we are to deliver on the potential of Western Sydney.
“A focus on enabling infrastructure can deliver a double dividend, with jobs building infrastructure, and creating jobs building new housing and communities for Western Sydney, which will significantly improve housing delivery in Western Sydney, while supporting improved economic, social and environmental outcomes,” said Mr Mann.
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Media Enquiries:
Deanna Lane 0416 295 898 or dlane@udiansw.com.au