Residents have been urged to complain to the NSW Ombudsman’s office about the Transport for NSW consultation process over proposed future road corridors in the area.
Bells Line of Road Corridor Action Group (BLoRCAG) posted on its Facebook page that residents were at their “wits’ end” at the “terrible process we have been forced to endure at the hands of TfNSW”, and felt lodging “an official complaint with the NSW Ombudsman is our last chance to get some action”.
“If you have experienced frustration, weren't informed about the corridor, not informed in a timely manner, a failure to have your written and verbal questions answered in a one to one meeting, not been able to access information due to a badly run drop in session, feel you can't participate meaningfully in the submissions process without reliable information on zoning or aquistions to refer to … felt stress or depression, felt disenfranchised … put it in writing and lodge with both TfNSW and the Ombudsman's office,” the post stated.
“If we can all do this it will send a clear message that we are not happy with the process. At the end of the Ombudsman's online form ask for a full investigation of the process that has been carried out by TfNSW ... in regards to this corridor proposal.”
Meanwhile, Hawkesbury MP Dominic Perrottet met with three groups of residents last Friday, May 18 to discuss their concerns.
The first meeting was on site with Kurrajong Hills residents, with two others held at his offices for those affected by the Outer Sydney Orbital (M9) and others affected by the Bells Line of Road – Castlereagh Connection plans.
Some residents were initially disappointed that one-on-one meetings they had scheduled with Mr Perrottet had to be cancelled in order to accommodate the forums, however he later said he wanted to ensure he heard all of their concerns.
“It is really important to me to meet residents and hear their concerns. I did ask two households if they could bear with me as we had to roll their meetings into forums,” Mr Perrottet said in a statement to the Gazette.
“Different people have unique circumstances but everyone is facing similar challenges in regards to the proposed corridors
“I understand that was disappointing for them, but their willingness allowed me to hear about a broader range of issues about the corridors.
“I’m taking those concerns directly to my parliamentary colleagues before the consultation period concludes at the end of the month.”