Funding proposals invited for road upgrades around Western Sydney Airport

The Australian and New South Wales (NSW) Governments have invited funding proposals for the second round of the A$200m ($148m) Local Roads Package around the Western Sydney Airport.

The Local Roads Package is part of the joint A$3.6bn ($2.6bn) Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, which is delivering the infrastructure to support Western Sydney’s growth and the new airport at Badgerys Creek.

The joint investment more than ten years will be used for major infrastructure upgrades to transform Western Sydney’s economy, as well as create 4,000 jobs in preparation for the airport’s opening by the mid-2020s.

Assistant minister for infrastructure and regional development Jamie Briggs said: “Funding is available for eligible councils to improve the productivity and safety performance of the local road network which will surround the new airport.

“The Australian and NSW Governments are committed to supporting Western Sydney’s long term economic growth and ensuring the road infrastructure is delivered first and the airport second.”

The second round funding builds on the first group of successfully funded local roads projects, which are expected to get underway this month.

New South Wales minister for roads, maritime and freight Duncan Gay said: “Communities in Western Sydney will soon notice a surge in construction activity on key roads around the new airport site, including upgrades on Eagle Vale Drive, Cumberland Highway, and Wetherill Street.

“The upgrades focus on delivering direct improvements at pinch-points along these corridors, including the installation of traffic lights, roundabouts and additional turning lanes.”

In order to put in proposals for funding under the round two, the governments have invited councils, including Camden, Wollondilly, Penrith, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Blacktown.

The successful local roads package round two projects will be announced later this year.