The State Government has announced $30 million for stage one of the Spring Farm to Menangle link

AFTER years of campaigning, drivers in this part of Sydney could finally get a reprieve after $30 million in funding was announced for the Spring Farm Parkway.

The Spring Farm Parkway will help ease congestion along Narellan Rd and the surrounding streets. Picture Robert Pozo

THE long-awaited link between Camden and Campbelltown at Spring Farm could be just around the corner after the State Government announced $30 million for stage one of the Spring Farm Parkway in yesterday’s State Budget.

The road will connect Spring Farm with Menangle Rd at Menangle Park and will link with the Hume Highway via new entry ramps.

It follows a long campaign by the Macarthur Chronicle, Campbelltown and Camden Councils and politicians to build the link as an alternative route into Campbelltown, relieving pressure on the congested Narellan Rd.

The Spring Farm Parkway had previously been referred to as the Link Road.

Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian announced the funding from the government’s Housing Acceleration Fund.

“We need to ensure we have enough housing to cater for the growing population, that’s why it is so important that we keep unlocking new land by providing funding for the necessary infrastructure,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Traffic volume on Narellan Rd would be eased by the Spring Farm Parkway. Picture: Robert Pozo

The project to widen Appin Rd also received $10 million in the budget.

Camden state Liberal MP Chris Patterson said the funding would allow for the planning stage of the development of the link to Menangle.

“It’s going to be a major link and it’s important that not one single road services the area and they all work in synergy,” he said.

Mr Patterson said a further link from Menangle to Appin was not part of the initial planning stage but wouldn’t rule it out in further stages.

Then-Macarthur region mayors, Clinton Mead (Campbelltown), Lara Symkowiak (Camden), and Benn Banasik (Wollondilly) supporting a campaign in 2014 to have Liz Kernohan Drive connect with Menangle. Picture: Robert Pozo

“The problem is every electorate needs these link roads and you’ve got to find the funding for that,” he said.

“It’s great news for the area and a great step to linking Camden and Campbelltown, easing congestion on our local roads.”

Campbelltown Councillor Paul Lake is a long-term advocate of a link road and was relieved the funding arrangements had finally been announced but urged the the government to hurry the road’s construction along.

Campbelltown Councillor Paul Lake has been pushing for a Spring Farm link to Menangle for several years. Picture: Ian Svegovic

“At least it’s a start, this road’s been spoken about for a long time and it’s long overdue,” Cr Lake said.

“Let’s hope they get moving once the planning is out of the way because it’s a road that we need.”

Campbelltown state Labor MP Greg Warren welcomed the announcement but wanted to ensure the road upgrades would extend to include an Appin connection.

“This is a solution to the southern development areas of the region and I will welcome any announcement but it needs to benefit the entire region and be planned properly,” Mr Warren said.

“It’s got to include that Appin Rd connection.”