HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 178 MARCH 2025 | Page 4

INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN

INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN

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LOCAL LIFE

Council rejects Richmond

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Hawkesbury City councillors have firmly backed community concerns over the NSW Government ’ s Richmond Bridge duplication project , citing significant adverse impacts on local communities and the Hawkesbury River floodplain . At a recent Council meeting , councillors unanimously condemned the proposal , arguing it fails to provide adequate flood immunity or traffic relief .
Criticism centred on the bridge ’ s location , the creation of bottlenecks due to four-lane bridge access with only two-lane approaches , removal of roadside parking on Bells Line of Road at North Richmond , and the decision to install traffic lights instead of a flyover at Kurrajong Road , Yarramundi Lane , and Old Kurrajong Road .
Councillors also criticised the omission of upgrades to Redbank Creek Bridge and the lack of full project funding , which would force bypass traffic onto Southee Road in Hobartville until additional funding is secured .
Another major concern is the failure to model potential flood impacts before committing to raised road sections . Councillors reiterated their opposition to the proposed route along Inalls Lane and Southee Road due to noise , traffic disruptions , and the presence of

Bridge proposal

Hawkesbury City councillors .
heritage sites , including Macquarie-era landscapes , William Cox ’ s original 1820 stock route , and State Heritage-listed properties such as Mountain View , Hobartville Stud , and St Peter ’ s Church Group . The Council has called for cost estimates on alternative routes .
Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett , who moved the motion , highlighted that these concerns were echoed by residents at a community rally on 16 February , attended by nine councillors , Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston , Macquarie MP Susan Templeman , and Transport for NSW representatives .
“ This is a major exit route from
Sydney to the west , and we need a fully funded , viable project that genuinely improves traffic congestion and flood immunity ,” Clr Lyons-Buckett said .
“ The current proposal is incomplete and raises numerous concerns — we cannot accept a half-baked solution .”
Mayor Les Sheather welcomed the Council ’ s unified stance , urging residents to voice their concerns through submissions to Transport for NSW .
“ Council alone cannot secure the best outcome — we need the community ’ s support . Submissions will make a big difference ,” he said .

Progress update : Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant Projects

Hawkesbury City Council is making significant progress on its 10 Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants ( WSIG ) projects , supported by $ 98 million from the NSW Government . Originally submitted in 2022 , these projects have faced cost escalations due to rising material and labour costs . Council is working diligently to keep projects within budget while securing additional funding where necessary . Project Updates Woodbury Reserve , Glossodia The BMX pump track and mountain bike trails were completed in August 2024 . Construction of the skate park began on 4 February 2025 , with landscape and sporting facility tenders in progress . The project remains on track within the allocated funding .
Artist impression of Fernadell Community Centre .
Fernadell Park , Pitt Town A tender for the sporting fields , landscaping , and amenities closed on 7 February 2025 . Pending approval , construction will commence in autumn 2025 . With additional funding from the Australian Government ’ s Thriving Suburbs Programme , the project is expected to be delivered on budget . The community centre is undergoing development approval .
Kurrajong to Kurmond Cycleway Design work is underway , targeting completion by May 2025 , with delivery expected within budget .
Wayfinding Signage Project Designs have been finalised , with signage installed in Richmond and South Windsor . The remaining rollout will continue throughout 2025 .
Projects Facing Potential Cost Escalations
Some projects require redesigns , staging , or alternative funding to remain on budget . Any modifications must be approved by the State Government and Council .
Turnbull Oval , North Richmond A refined design featuring a refurbished amenities building
and tiered seating is in development to stay within budget . A separate grant has been submitted for the multi-sport courts .
Richmond Swimming Centre Concept designs are on public exhibition until 28 March 2025 . The Council reviewed design options in December 2024 and opted for community consultation . Hawkesbury Oasis Aquatic and Fitness Centre , South Windsor Refined concept plans are open for public feedback until 28 March 2025 . Council aims to have a single contractor design and deliver both this facility and Richmond Swimming Centre to optimise costs .
North Richmond Community Centre Plans for an emergency evacuation facility are advancing via refurbishment of the existing youth centre , funded by a Federal Disaster Resilience Grant . Further community consultation will follow once concept plans are finalised .
Tamplin Field , Hobartville Design work is in progress to fit the
Artist impression of Richmond Swimming Centre .
available budget . The NSW Department of Education has completed fence relocation between the field and the adjacent school .
Shared Path Cycleway over Rickabys Creek Concept design is complete , with public exhibition starting 24 February for 28 days . A grant application has been submitted to the Australian Government ’ s Active Transport Fund to cover budget shortfalls .
Council will continue to update the community through digital and print channels . Residents can provide feedback via www . yourhawksburyyoursay . com . au .
4 ISSUE 178 // MARCH 2025 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT