POLITICS
North-West Metro Extension with Warren Kirby MP
Late last month our community experienced a historic day in this states transport history . The extension of the North-West metro beyond Chatswood underneath Sydney Harbour through the heart of the city and on to Sydenham marks a new era of transport connectivity for Sydneysiders . The expanded metro network has unlocked direct access Sydney ’ s central financial , employment and retail districts . No connections needed , means a win for passengers and reduced strain for existing transit hubs such as Epping and Chatswood station . Our expanded metro will carry more commuters during peak hours than the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel combined . For such a massive infrastructure project it is important that we all stay patient especially as the Metro integrates with the existing transport network , passengers adjust to their new routes and as minor works are finalised . This government has worked hard to ensure the seamless delivery of the city extension – but as Premier Chris Minns said , credit towards the previous administration must be given for their part in initating this project .
Whilst the Metro brings with it a host of benefits and improvements to our overall public transport system – there are several shortfalls which will impact the Riverstone electorate .
Since taking office early last year – people who rely on the metro services at Tallawong station have time and again expressed their dismay at the distinct lack of parking . For an area that was the fastest growing in the state the lack of foresight by the previous government when it came to providing equitable auxiliary services to the metro , such as parking and bus connection is lamentable to say the least . Only a few kilometres away at Kellyville Station there is a multi-story carpark with an additional spill over car park just across Samantha Riley Drive .
Stations at Bella Vista , Hills Showground and Cherrybrook also benefit from multi-story car parks . These stations also have robust bus connections to surrounding suburbs that Tallawong station does not . Ironically , all 4 of the stations with multistorey carparks are in safe Liberal seats .
The failure of the previous government to connect Tallawong station to the heavy rail line at Schofields only 2.7 kilometres
WESTERN SYDNEY COUNCILS SAVED RATEPAYERS $ TENS-OF-MILLIONS
Western Sydney councils have saved ratepayers tens of millions of dollars , have massively reduced carbon emissions , and put downward pressure on the cost-of-living – all by combining efforts on a swag of energy , environmental and waste reduction projects , and pushing back on toll-road increases .
The 2023-2034 Annual Report by the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils ( WSROC ) – the peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney – reveals that by working closely together , the councils have :
• Saved $ 55 million across the region through a suite of energy projects .
• Successfully challenged streetlighting costs through the Australian Energy Regulator , saving local government across the Endeavour Energy area $ 34 million over the next five years .
• Attracted $ 450,000 in grant funding to action a Western Sydney Regional Litter Prevention Plan partnered by seven participating councils .
• Secured $ 851,945 in grant away has compounded the problem for residents in the immediate vicinity of the station and beyond towards the Hawksbury . More cars on the road means more parking needed at the station . When I came into office , there was virtually no connectivity to booming suburbs such as Box Hill .
I am proud to be a part of a government that is fixing up the shortfalls left by the former Liberal Government . We are in the final stages of the business case required to connect the metro line to the heavy rail , we have improved bus services to Tallawong and Rouse Hill and I am continuing to advocate for adequate parking at Tallawong station .
The extension of the metro is a momentous occasion that deserves to be celebrated . Credit should go where credit is due – but that recognition must also be given to what wasn ’ t done . The people of Riverstone know how they were let down by previous government and the Minns Labor government is working tirelessly to build the infrastructure our community so desperately needs .
funding to deliver waste reduction and circular economy projects .
• Secured $ 1.3 million for the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce program in partnership with Resilient Sydney thanks to funding from NSW and Australian Governments .
• Secured $ 1.5 million for a Caring for Country grants program for its member councils
• Secured $ 1 million to conduct a 15-month Compliance Strategy pilot under the Cumberland Plains Conservation Plan .
As the report demonstrates , Western Sydney councils also achieved major successes in improving quality of life and putting downward pressure on cost-ofliving factors impacting Western Sydney residents .
“ For example , Western Sydney councils ’ combined advocacy contributed directly to the NSW Government motorway toll relief scheme ; and the councils had direct input to the independent review of motorway toll pricing across Sydney ,” said WSROC President , Councillor Barry Calvert .
20 ISSUE 42 // SEPTEMBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT