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M9 Orbital uncertainty triggers emotional toll

THE emotional anguish surrounding the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital continues to swirl, 37 days after the bombshell announcement of potential widespread property acquisition.

The bombshell announcement of the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor has unleashed 37 days of emotional toil on residents affected by the proposed route. Picture: Carmela Roche
The bombshell announcement of the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor has unleashed 37 days of emotional toil on residents affected by the proposed route. Picture: Carmela Roche

THE emotional anguish surrounding the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital continues to swirl, 37 days after the bombshell announcement of potential widespread property acquisition.

With the 4500-strong Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group uniting at two community meetings and two Transport for NSW drop-in sessions, the emotional toll continues to rise.

Concerned residents attend the Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group community forum. Picture: Carmela Roche
Concerned residents attend the Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group community forum. Picture: Carmela Roche

Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group member Andrew Simpson said a number of unanswered questions continued to haunt residents.

“One hundred per cent, people within the action group are struggling,” he said.

“I know many members have had sleepless nights and spent a lot of time emotionally affected, crying for large parts of the day.

“I personally have had a couple of sleepless nights myself, thinking of the impact to my home, family and business.”

Mr Simpson said talk of a potential backflip surrounding the Castlereagh/Bells corridor had provided hope to the group.

A map of the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor.
A map of the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor.

“They have had a corridor for the last 60 years while we didn’t have the luxury of any of that ... so the fight goes on.”

Camden state Liberal MP Chris Patterson at the forum. Picture: Carmela Roche
Camden state Liberal MP Chris Patterson at the forum. Picture: Carmela Roche

Camden state Liberal MP Chris Patterson said the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital corridor will “absolutely” be gazetted by the end of the year.

“I look forward to public exhibition being finished and all submissions being collated so the community can have certainty,” he said.

“The community can have certainty surrounding a refined corridor, without the impact on homes, communities and the social fabric of Camden.

“I am confident the refined route will be a positive for the community.”

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/m9-orbital-uncertainty-triggers-emotional-toll/news-story/fa23a8e841ea1049cce10bde89197c50