BUDGET DELIVERS FOR WESTERN SYDNEY COMMUTERS

14 May 2013

Blacktown Federal MPs, Michelle Rowland and Ed Husic, have heralded the 2013 Federal Budget’s provision of $1.8 billion for the WestConnex link as a victory for commuters in Western Sydney.

The project will include capacity improvements on the existing M4 and M5 corridors, extend the M4 to Sydney Airport, and improve access to the Sydney CBD and Port Botany.

Importantly, this Budget funding announcement also imposes a condition that no new tolls are imposed on existing roads that commuters currently use without charge.

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland said she personally understood the frustration of those who sit in traffic on the M4 every day travelling east and to the city.

“I know how frustrating it is to be stuck in traffic and arrive at work tired and stressed. Like many local residents, my husband often leaves for work before dawn just to try and beat the peak hour – which seems to be getting longer every year,” Ms Rowland said.

“The M4 cannot cope with the ongoing demands being imposed on it by Sydney’s expansion, particularly in the West and North-West. This project will reduce travel times and operating costs for road users particularly during peak periods.”

Federal Member for Chifley, Ed Husic said we need to ensure we make the smart investments in infrastructure to keep our economy amongst the strongest in the world.

“Freeing up the movement of people in Sydney’s west must remain a massive priority for all levels of government,” Mr Husic said.

“This project can help ease the congestion and bust the bottlenecks we see on the M4 every day during peak periods.

“It can also make our road network safer for everyone who uses it”.

The New South Wales Government is currently developing a full business case for the project, which will detail a process to bring the project to market.

Nick Trainor (Rowland) – 0407 078 138; David Field (Husic) – 0458 750 100

Download (124 kB)