HAWKESBURY Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett has delivered a mixed response to the NSW Government’s infrastructure spending in the region.
Member for Hawkesbury and state Treasurer Dominic Perrottet handed down his second budget on June 19.
A new announcements in the 2018-19 NSW Budget was a study for a potential third Hawkesbury River crossing between Richmond and North Richmond, along with other roads and bridges spending in the Hawkesbury.
Mayor Lyons-Buckett welcomed much of the funding for the region, but said there was hope for more funding for local roads.
“Significant State Government funding towards the Western Sydney Growth Roads programs, and the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, are very positive,” she said.
“Hawkesbury City Council hopes that not only will there be road investment for Sydney’s second Airport-related infrastructure but also funding for the maintenance backlog for existing local roads, which are vital to support growing communities and economic development.
“Hawkesbury City Council also welcomes the collaborative nature of the State Government budget, by the fact that the NSW Government will be working with the Commonwealth to fund increased investment in Western Sydney roads.”
The Mayor said the funding for the study into the third river crossing was ‘commendable’.
“We always welcome State Government funding for local infrastructure, and Council looks forward to reviewing the State Government’s business case, and providing the relevant input and response to the State Government, while also taking into account the needs and views of our local community,” she said.
“It will be important to have the initial business case put forward so that all the issues involved can be considered up front.”
However, she also reiterated opposition to the Windsor Bridge replacement project, which received $25 million in funding for the year.
“Of course, with many ongoing bridge projects, including Windsor Bridge, and Council’s position for a bypass to save the historic Thompson Square, as well as a proposed Grose River crossing, we are sure to be having many conversations with our State Government representatives about any additional crossing of the Hawkesbury River,” she said.