The New South Wales Government has released its report for the Outer Sydney Orbital Stage two, also selecting the preferred option for the Hume Highway to Appin Road connection.
Planning for the Outer Sydney Orbital Stage two Corridor considers the longterm infrastructure needs to better connect the Western Parkland City and the Illawarra Shoalhaven region.
Planning is being carried out in three key sections:
- Sector 1: Greater Macarthur Growth Area options – identifying a connection between the Hume Motorway through the Greater Macarthur Growth Area to Appin Road;
- Sector 2: Appin and Picton Road corridors for potential upgrade through WaterNSW’s water catchment area;
- Sector 3: Illawarra Connections – a potential new Illawarra Escarpment crossing
Two shortlisted future road corridor options had been identified for Sector 1 connecting the Hume Motorway to Appin Road.
Consultation with stakeholders, landowners and members of the community was held between November 2020 and January 2021, assisting with the selection of the preferred option.
The ‘blue’ option was selected and has been refined to minimise effects on koala habitat, as well as avoid land which has been identified as having Aboriginal cultural sensitivity.
The route extends from the Outer Sydney Orbital Stage 1 corridor at the Hume Motorway, crossing the Nepean River, it then curves south following the bush line at West Appin, before passing south of Appin township and connecting with Appin Road.
The ‘blue’ option route avoids Appin township, largely avoids native vegetation apart from minor impacts near the Nepean River and helps protect Elladale Creek koala habitat from human access.
Mayor of Wollondilly Shire Council Robert Khan said the route selection reflected input from the community.
“What is critical is that Transport for NSW appropriately refines the option to address community and stakeholder concerns, particularly in protecting our beloved Koala population and cultural heritage,” Khan said.
“Pleasingly, upgrades to Picton Road, the Hume Highway and an upgraded connection between Appin Rd and Picton Road are identified as key priorities for Transport for NSW. We look forward to these critical projects being delivered urgently.”
The project will support population growth in the Western Parkland City area, with expectations that the area will be home to over half of Sydney’s population by 2031.
A copy of the Consultation Outcomes Report can be viewed here.
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