The NSW Government has announced changes to the 20-year growth plan for Western Sydney after community consultation.
The previously gazetted 1951 corridor for the Bells Line of Road Castlereagh Connection will be continued. The NSW Government has also announced it will provide for a 10 kilometre tunnel from the north of Cobbitty Road to south east of Cawdor Road to minimise the impact of the Outer Sydney Orbital on communities in Western Sydney.
It will also relinquish the section of previously exhibited Bells Line of road corridor from Castlereagh to Kurrajong Heights and relinquish the section of the Outer Sydney Orbital north of Richmond Road. The Department of Planning and Environment will aim to work with local councils on future opinions with a view of mitigating any further impact on homes.
NSW Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the changes to the Western Sydney Corridors will reduce the total number of properties impacted from 1247 to 825 and halve the number of residential dwellings impacted from 399 to 200.
“We received constructive feedback from right across the community via the online mapping tool, email, phone calls and community sessions,” Mr Ayres said.
“We have listened to feedback and will continue to make refinements to the exhibited corridors as we work through the submissions made during the exhibition.”
The plan also aims to reduce the impact on private residences and properties by making more use of government owned land.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the changes reflect the voice of the community.
“The consultation process has provided transport planners with a great deal of local knowledge and insight. A number of suggested minor adjustments to the proposed corridors will be investigated, and where technically feasible, will be adopted,” Ms Pavey said.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance also announced the state government has allocated $100 million over two years to undertake initial property acquisitions for those who want to sell their land following the rezoning process.
“The Government is willing to sit down and have a conversation with any property owner interested in the option of selling,” Mr Constance said.
The NSW Government has also state it will not gazette the remaining corridors until further refinements of the alignment are considered with affected property owners and communities.
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