CDC HillsBus defend plan for Rouse Hill bus depot

Northwest Sydney’s largest bus company is defending its decision to develop a major bus depot in a Sydney suburb — despite and active campaign from residents calling for the plans to be axed.

Hillsbus has proposed a newbus depot in Rouse Hill. Picture: AAP Image / Angelo Velardo

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Northwest Sydney’s largest bus company is defending its decision to develop a major bus depot in Rouse Hill — despite and active campaign from residents calling for the plans to be axed.

CDC HillsBus submitted a new development application for the construction of a 208 vehicle bus depot on the corner of Withers and Mile End roads, Rouse Hill, after fierce community backlash over the proximity to houses on Mile End Rd led to the recision of earlier plans in November last year.

Changes from the original depot to the revised plans.

CDC NSW chief executive officer S K Cheng told the Times extensive negotiations and community consultation led to the relocation of the multimillion-dollar development application and construction of a purpose built cul-de-sac to screen residents from buses.

“In response to concerns from residents, the new proposal completely removes access to the site from residential Mile End Road,” Mr Cheng said.

“CDC NSW is negotiating the purchase of a vacant industrial site, next to the site originally proposed for the depot.

“The new location will be screened from neighbours by warehouses along Withers Road, which are currently under construction.”

Concerned Mile End Rd residents (L-R) Rob & Andrea McFarlane, Carol & John Van De Maele, Emily Van De Maele, 8, Dr David Anger, Kelly Zammit, David Van De Maele, 11, Cayleen Gualterio, Michael Lambert & Neil Poullos thought that plans for a bus depot had been withdrawn. Turns out they are back and bigger than ever. Picture: AAP Image / Troy Snook

A campaign was established by Rouse Hill resident Kelly Zammit in September last year, which led to residents raising concerns over road safety and increased noise from hundreds of daily bus movements.

Despite the development application suggesting the site would be developed for 799 bus movements each day, CDC HillsBus said bus movements were likely to be 623 movements on weekdays and 159 on Saturdays.

HillsBus ceo S K Cheng.

“The Hills in particular is one of the fastest growing areas of Sydney, as well as being one of the most car dependent,” Mr Cheng said.

“With Metro Northwest coming online this year, this new depot is about using buses to link people to the Metro — at the moment Hills residents are serviced by depots 20 minute away which impacts reliability and services.”

Mr Cheng said the completion of the Metro would be “pointless” without nearby depots and reliable services to cater for commuters.

“Without a new bus depot, we will see more congestion in Rouse Hill,” he said.

“This is the best long-term outcome for residents and existing infrastructure.”

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