Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group vow to ‘bring the noise’
A PASSIONATE and emotional Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group have vowed to ‘bring the noise.’
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ANNOUNCEMENT: “This will impact on people’s lives”
REACTION: “A bombshell we never wanted”
A PASSIONATE and emotional Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group has vowed to ‘bring the noise’ and fight the controversial plan.
Close to 500 community members, unified in defiance of the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor, met at Cobbitty Public School hall last night to share concerns of last Monday’s ‘bombshell’ announcement.
Jess Simpson, founder of the Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group Facebook group, said the meeting was a resounding success.
“We were really happy with the community response,” she said. “I think there was a respectful and calm tone throughout and just the right amount of passion.
“I think everyone walked away feeling we are all part of something, all part of a united community.
“We understand it (the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital) has to go somewhere but the current position is madness.
“We don’t want hysteria, we just want a smart and calm method of getting it done. That is key.”
The eight-lane motorway and freight rail line, stretching more than 70km and up to 300m wide, will connect the Hume Highway near Menangle to Box Hill, near the future Western Sydney Airport.
More than 200 properties in the Camden and Wollondilly shire region will be directly impacted by the proposed corridor.
Camden state Liberal MP Chris Patterson and Camden Liberal Mayor Lara Symkowiak have publicly announced they do not support the draft corridor route.
“I fully support the preservation of a corridor, however, at the same time understand the concerns of residents and the impact the proposed corridor will have on our community,” Mr Patterson said.
“This Government will listen to your concerns and we will do everything that is practicable to ensure we minimise the impact on existing residents, to ensure we provide for existing and future residents.”
Cr Symkowiak encouraged residents to lodge a submission to Transport for NSW.
“Although I am very supportive of the forward planning approach to preserving corridors for future transport infrastructure, I personally do not support the current proposed route of the Outer Sydney Orbital Corridor,” she said.
Wollondilly Mayor Judith Hannan said it was important to remember it was not a short-term vision.
“I think people need to know it is a 20-year plan — it won’t be happening tomorrow,” she said.
“It is open to submissions and I think it is a really great thing to put up the draft route for people to see.
“There is a lot of infrastructure we want in Wollondilly and this is the start.”
NSW Roads, Freight and Maritime Minister Melinda Pavey provided a “100 per cent guarantee” impacted landowners will be adequately compensated.
“In terms of value, I can give a 100 per cent guarantee that those people will get current market rates for their land, at the time the Government may need that land,” she said.
“I am not talking about current of today, but current of tomorrow.
“They will get the land value they deserve and need.”
The Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group has planned a community forum on April 21, with community leaders to be present. It is likely to be held at Camden Civic Centre.
For more information, visit the Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group Facebook group or website.