M9 Orbital: Liberal MPs make joint submission

AFTER more than 30 personal representations from us we know that you have understood the concerns of our communities and we look forward to a positive outcome for Camden and Wollondilly.

Camden MP Chris Patterson and Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell have made a joint submission on the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor.

AS THE State Members for Camden and Wollondilly we are lodging a joint submission as we have worked together on this proposal for our adjoining electorates since the announcement on March 26, 2018.

We are very cognisant of the need for good infrastructure planning in the Camden and Wollondilly areas and from the outset we have understood corridor preservation is essential. As no corridor preservation has occurred in these areas since 1951, we need to plan for the future.

A map of the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor.

We have endeavoured to read all submissions we have received. The Camden and Wollondilly communities have been extremely clear in their opposition to the corridor currently proposed.

The reasons for the opposition from the community are:

— detrimental effects on the heritage of specific properties and whole communities;

— the acquisition process for properties within the proposed corridor and no consideration for those adjoining the corridor;

Camden state Liberal MP Chris Patterson

— the negative impacts on both electorates environments with special consideration to agriculture land, biobanking land, rare environment areas of surrounding areas, the impact on local flora and fauna and threatened species, due to degradation of land;

— the potential increase of noise in the communities;

— the potential for pollution from the increased traffic and freight rail is also of concern.

Entire areas in both electorates have been hugely impacted by the current proposal such as: the townships of Cobbitty, Ellis Lane (in particular the close proximity of the proposed corridor to the residents in Sunnyside Drive), Grasmere, Bickley Vale, Brownlow Hill, Mount Hunter, Cawdor and Menangle and the Brownlow Hill Estate State heritage area and Denbigh Estate State heritage area. It is also believed the Nepean River will be affected by the current proposal.

Wollondilly state Liberal MP Jai Rowell

We would like to thank TfNSW representatives, the NSW Premier and Ministers Constance, Ayres and Pavey for their time given to many meetings and phone conversations we have had in relation to this current proposal. After more than 30 personal representations from us we know that you have understood the concerns of our communities and we look forward to a positive outcome for Camden and Wollondilly.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Taking into account all of the above, our joint submission for the OSO for the electorates of Camden and Wollondilly is that the OSO be underground and utilises government land where possible.