The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future in Sydney’s West by delivering $580 million to support flood resilience and housing growth in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and surrounds.
The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Resilience and Housing Growth Package will provide crucial road connections to support new housing and boost economic growth through safer and more reliable access to flood-prone areas.
The package includes $345.3 million for Stage 1 of the Townson Road and Burdekin Road project. Stage 1 will upgrade 1.6 kilometres of Townson Road between Richmond Road and Jersey Road, delivering two-lanes in either direction, separated by a raised median.
This investment will improve the safety and capacity of evacuation routes from Schofields to Marsden Park, better connecting them with Richmond Road – one of the region’s designated evacuation routes.
It will also help support the anticipated growth in the North West Growth Area which, once fully developed, will be home to around 250,000 people.
The package will also deliver $234.7 million to upgrade Garfield Road West, which will mean the project can move into detailed design and early works to support the future upgrade of 3.2 kilometres of Garfield Road West between Richmond Road in Marsden Park and Denmark Road in Riverstone, including more lanes to support growth.
The Garfield Road West upgrade will increase road capacity to accommodate growing traffic demand, improve safety and provide more efficient public transport services with bus priority signals and more dedicated traffic lanes.
The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley has the highest flood exposure in New South Wales due to its unique landscape and large population.
It has a long history of deep and dangerous flooding, including several major floods in the past five years.
Today's announcement is about safeguarding the future of the region by bolstering evacuation routes through safer and more resilient transport infrastructure.
It will ensure the livelihood of the area, supporting better access to housing as the population grows.
The projects build on the Government’s joint $33 million commitment to the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Evacuation Road Resilience Program, which is planning around 100 transport infrastructure improvements to help people evacuate safely from the region.
It also adds to our $440 million joint commitment to expand Garfield Road East from two-lanes to four-lanes between Piccadilly Street in Riverstone and Windsor Road in Box Hill.
The Australian Government is investing over $18 billion towards transport infrastructure projects in Western Sydney.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“Today’s announcement of $580 million for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley is vital to creating security for this growing region so it can thrive.
“Australians are incredibly resilient, and we need the infrastructure here in Western Sydney to be resilient to the impacts of the future.
“Our investment will build crucial road connections to support new housing and boost economic growth.
“We back Western Sydney and we are building a better future for people here.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
“These road upgrades are essential for ensuring the ongoing security and growth of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.
“We’re investing $18 billion in the infrastructure we need to build the future of Sydney’s West – from the new airport to the new metro, to the resilience of the Hawkesbury-Nepean.
“This region is beautiful, and we want to ensure it can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for decades to come.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland:
“These upgrades across key east-west corridors will mean residents in North Western Sydney spend less time on the road, and more time with their families.
“This package builds on our broader Western Sydney infrastructure plan – delivering vital investment across Bandon Road, Richmond Road and Garfield Road East.
“Across the board, our plan has been designed to reduce heavy vehicle traffic, expand lane capacity and relieve congestion.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic:
“Our part of North West Sydney is growing phenomenally, but the area has been let down by previous governments that have neglected to invest in crucial infrastructure.
“This investment by our Government and the New South Wales Government is vital in developing resilient infrastructure that can keep people moving, especially during flood events.”
Quotes attributable to New South Wales Minister for Roads, John Graham:
“The New South Wales Government welcomes this investment by the Albanese Government into vital road projects that will build connections and enable the jobs growth and economic development the Hawkesbury-Nepean needs.
“Importantly, they will provide added flood resilience during those times when other local roads can prevent people in this area getting to work or the kids to school.
“The New South Wales Government is working in partnership with the Australian Government on these and other north-west growth area roads, including Bandon Road, Garfield East and Richmond Road.”