A new motorway and rail tunnel for Macarthur
A SIGNIFICANT impact is facing close to 200 properties in the Camden area, with the draft corridor of the Outer Sydney Orbital released today.
Macarthur
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A SIGNIFICANT impact is facing close to 200 properties in the Camden area, with the draft corridor of the Outer Sydney Orbital released today.
The major motorway, linking southwest Sydney with the future Western Sydney Airport, is likely to impact 193 homes in the Camden LGA.
About 120 of those properties are privately owned.
The motorway will connect Menangle to Box Hill, impacting properties in the vicinity of Brownlow Hill, Cobbitty and Theresa Park.
A rail corridor between the Western Sydney Airport and Oran Park has also been secured, while the government has committed to a tunnel from Oran Park to Narellan which will then extend to Macarthur station.
Initial plans show the tunnel will be constructed underneath Mt Annan.
No time frame has been given for either project.
Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres and Roads Minister Melinda Pavey made the announcement in St Marys this morning
“Building a new city doesn’t happen over night, and what’s most important is we open up the conversation with residents, community groups, and businesses right across these crucial corridors to inform final alignments,” Ms Pavey said.
Camden state Liberal MP Chris Patterson stressed that it was important for the community to make a submission.
“This will impact on people’s lives, the amenity of the area and I need to have a look and see how I can advocate for, and on behalf of, the community,” he said.
“I can’t stress enough that there is an eight-week public exhibition period.”
Transport for NSW will work with all affected property owners on an individual basis.
Mr Patterson said despite the impact, it’s important to note changes will not occur immediately.
“There will be a number of years in this process and we need to work through it to ensure the best possible outcome for the area, that we can get.”
Wollondilly state Liberal MP Jai Rowell said the corridor announcement provided certainty for residents.
“The reality is the M9 Orbital won’t be built for a decade, maybe two,” he said.
“What this is about is getting the community’s feedback now, we want people to engage with us now.”
Mr Patterson said he supported the tunnel option for rail, as previous community consultation had triggered considerable community angst around the rail corridor.
“The last time we gave the community an above ground route and it brought a lot of pain. “This time we are going straight to the end result.”
Meanwhile, Federal Labor has reaffirmed its commitment to connecting Macarthur Station to the Western Sydney Airport on the day it opens in 2026.
The Federal and State Governments announced last month that only the northern connection from the airport to St Marys would be open on day one.
Macarthur federal Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander said it was critical the southern connection be open from day one.
“Labor will provide $400 million to work with the NSW Government to get these works underway as soon as possible, contingent on a positive assessment from Infrastructure Australia,” he said.
Labor is proposing to build an outer orbital rail line from Macarthur to St Marys, which would also service the airport.
Dr Freelander said he didn’t support the option of a tunnel.
“I’m doubtful that a tunnel is a viable option given the cost would be far too expensive,” he said.
“I’m very positive about the airport, it will be great for the Macarthur region if we get the public transport right.