More public transport, commuter parking key for Western Sydney improvement

Boosting the quality of life in Western Sydney requires massive investment in commuter infrastructure, says a senior Labor MP.

Boosting the quality of life in Western Sydney requires massive investment in commuter infrastructure, says a senior Labor MP who wants the community to seize every opportunity to prosper.

Labor’s communication spokeswoman Michelle Rowland, who’s Greenway electorate includes the suburbs of Blacktown, Schofields, Riverstone, Glenwood and The Ponds, told The Daily Telegraph even with the majority of people working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the commute issues for Western Sydney had persisted.

Labor MP Michelle Rowland says there are many oppotunities in her local Blacktown area. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Issues of parking at train and metro stations … and the cost of toll roads … remains,” she said.

“People having to park ten minutes away from the station, which is even worse when it rains or when it’s cold and dark, means commuters start the day frustrated and end the day frustrated.”

Ms Rowland said access to reliable internet and phone services in some of the newer suburbs in her area must also be a focus for the region to reach its full potential.

“In some parts of the growth areas in the north west, they still do not have adequate communication services … people have to go out onto the front lawn for better mobile reception,” she said.

Ms Rowland said while there were “boundless opportunities” in Sydney’s west, it was important not to treat the region as one “homogenous” area with the same issues.

Commute options remains a key concern for residents in Western Sydney says Labor. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I do think there are big opportunities … but the catch cry for Western Sydney development does centre on the airport, which is a long way from Blacktown,” she said.

She said one of the great recent developments was the new campus for the Australian Catholic University in the heart of Blacktown.

“It’s modern and has really refreshed that part of the city,” she said.

“I think it will encourage a lot more private investment.”

Ms Rowland said Blacktown remained a “very attractive” place to live because it was more affordable, had access to services, proximity to public transport and green spaces.