POLITICS
Paving the way for
north west Sydney
with Michelle Rowland MP Federal Member for Greenway
Upgrading our local roads is essential to keeping our community moving. It’ s one of the issues residents often raise with me, and a priority I am committed to delivering.
North West Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, but for too long our road infrastructure has failed to keep pace.
Families have been left spending more time in traffic and less time at home.
That’ s why I’ m proud that the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are getting on with the job of delivering the upgrades our community needs.
I have fought hard to secure over $ 1 billion in funding for major projects across our area, including Burdekin Road and Townson Road, Garfield Road East and West, Bandon Road, Richmond Road and Prospect Highway.
Works are now underway on the vital $ 720 million Richmond Road upgrade. Traffic modelling shows these upgrades will cut travel times by around 21 % in the morning and 34 % in the afternoon- real relief for local families.
In addition, I secured funding for planning works on future upgrades along the corridor to The Driftway.
Separately, the Bandon Road upgrade will deliver additional lanes, a new underpass to replace the busy rail crossing, and improved connections between Windsor Road and Richmond Road.
Meanwhile, upgrades to Garfield Road West will increase capacity and improve safety, and Garfield Road East is being widened from two lanes to four between Riverstone and Box Hill.
These are critical projects that will ease congestion, improve safety and better connect our suburbs, and I will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses.
You may have also seen that the brand new, toll-free M12 motorway is now open, connecting Western Sydney to the new Western Sydney International Airport.
This vital new motorway will support jobs, growth and connectivity across our region.
Working together, State and Federal Labor are delivering the infrastructure Western Sydney needs- so you spend less time on the road, and more time with your family.
Michael Edgar: 40 years in local government
MAYORAL MINUTE NO. 4 / 2026- ACKNOWLEDGING MICHAEL EDGAR’ S 40 YEARS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
Councillors, I would like to acknowledge a significant milestone for our General Manager, Mr Michael Edgar, who today celebrates 40 years in local government. This Mayoral Minute, kept a surprise, recognises a career that began in 1986 as a Trainee Environmental Health Surveyor at Blacktown City Council.
While completing a Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Western Sydney, Michael quickly earned a reputation for maturity, strong character and determination. After nine years in his initial role, he moved to Blue Mountains City Council, where he progressed through senior leadership positions, eventually managing environmental health, compliance and regulatory services across a large team.
In 2005, Michael joined The Hills Shire Council as Group Manager of Environment and Planning, playing a key role in major projects including the
Mayor of the Hills Shire Dr Michelle Byrne and Hills Councillors congratulating General Manager Mr Michael Edgar.
Rouse Hill Regional Centre and North Kellyville precinct. He later led Strategic Planning, contributing to the LEP, rural zoning reforms and long-term visions such as Hills 2026 and Hills 2050.
Appointed General Manager in 2017, Michael has guided Council through a period of rapid growth, delivering significant infrastructure while maintaining strong financial performance. He has been a passionate advocate for balanced development, including family-sized housing, and continues to champion a fairer future for the Hills.
Highly respected across the sector, Michael is known for his leadership, knowledge and commitment to staff and community. On behalf of Council, congratulations on 40 years of dedicated service.
20 ISSUE 130 // APRIL 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT