Council seeks balance on vital infrastructure and environment

Monday, 29 October 2018

Penrith City Council has long pushed for upgrades to the Mulgoa Road/Castlereagh Road corridor. In 2016 the State Government responded to our communities needs by committing $100 million for Stage 1 of the road upgrade.

Penrith City Council has long pushed for upgrades to the Mulgoa Road/Castlereagh Road corridor. In 2016 the State Government responded to our communities needs by committing $100 million for Stage 1 of the road upgrade. Mulgoa Road is a critical transport corridor and a gateway into the city, upgrading this road provides many benefits to residents, visitors and the broader community.

Since the funding announcement, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) have developed a concept design and sought community feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF).

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said during consultation of the concept design, it became evident that the proposed widening would impact a number of large trees in front of the Grey Gums Hotel.

"Council supports the work by the Federal and State Governments to ease congestion along Mulgoa Road," Cr Fowler said.

"This work is vital to ensure the community can go about their work and life with minimal interruptions as the city grows. However, it is equally important that we protect our City's character and environmental assets like the trees that offer a natural habitat to animals and provides significant value to our landscape and community.

"Council's submission on the draft concept design calls for a seat at the table for Council so we can work with the RMS to achieve a balanced design that delivers this vital road upgrade while preserving our environment.

"Both have their place in our community - it is about striking the right balance through careful planning and design so as to retain these significant tree plantings," Cr Fowler said.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 29 October 2018.