WestConnex New M5 project approved

New South Wales’ Planning Minister Rob Stokes announced this week that the WestConnex New M5 project, aimed at relieving congestion and improving travel times for motorists, has been approved.

In response to issues raised by the community, conditions have been set to provide new open public space, new cycling and pedestrian infrastructure and strict environmental protections.

These include:

• A new open space south of Sydney Park and a land bridge to connect the two areas
• New and upgrade cycling and pedestrian pathways connecting Sydney Park, Simpson Park, Camdenville Park and St Peters interchange
• Strict air quality limits for the tunnel and ventilation facilities
• Establishing an Air Quality Community Consultative Committee, which includes members of the communicy and local councils to help decide the locations of monitoring stations
• Protections for Green and Golden Bell Frogs
• A biodiversity offset strategy for the Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest.

The project’s strict conditions of approval require a net increase in trees as a result of works. A detailed assessment report of trees affected by construction will be prepared by Roads and Maritime Services.

The independent NSW Government Architect will chair the Urban Design Review Panel, ensuring the neighbourhood is improved with upgrades to local public places that focus on community recreation.