Comments closing for controversial WestConnex development
The new WestConnex development appears to be receiving a significant backlash on Twitter, and public comments are closing today.
The 33 kilometre motoway looks to connect Sydney's west with Port Botany and the airport, and looks to include an M4 extension as well as the duplication of the M5 East to King Georges Road. Work is due to start in early-2015 for the stage one, linking Parramatta with Haberfield. It's planned in response to population growth and other stresses soon to be placed on this part of Sydney.
Information about the development says that it will create 10,000 jobs, and looks to open stage one to traffic for 2019. Stage two, which includes the airport link, would open by mid-2020, with stage three completed by mid-2023.
"The corridor from Broadway to Parramatta could be flanked by clusters of new apartments, commercial offices, institutional, recreation and community buildings of 6 to 8 storeys in some sections, with higher rise in some other areas," notes the vision for the project. They also mention the opportunity for parks, recreational spaces, as well as retail/office hubs.
Currently, the NSW Government has $200 million over 10 years to be focused on Parramatta Road, with $100 million to be spent during stage one from 2015 to 2019. Private developers are expected to jump on board to building the suggested residential sections.
Some of the arguments against the development include that Australia should be moving towards public transport rather than motorways, and that it will cause the destruction of some areas - notably some of Ashfield Park. Much of the backlash is coming from those in affected Inner West suburbs.
Those in some areas, however, are likely to see their house prices jump as a result of the development.
Sydney residents & councils battling #WestConnex are facing same chaotic tactics as Melbourne residents with #EWLink https://t.co/dEJTE0hx0V
— Yarra Campaign (@yarra_campaign) February 10, 2014Where's social infrastructure for increased pop. density with #Westconnex promotion of high rise? Like schools, sports grounds, even shops?
— Anne Picot (@apicot) February 12, 2014We've had several readers write in about this, and there has been a recent rally to save Ashfield Park, that is said to lose 4% under the WestConnex changes. Over 500 residents attended the rally on February 9.
Property Observer recently published the article 'Big road projects: Are they really worth it?' from academic Chris Standen.
"The $20 billion being squandered on WestConnex and East-West Link could instead be used to create jobs in growth areas, build affordable family homes near existing employment centres, and construct new rail lines and busways," Standen explained.
What are your thoughts on WestConnex? Email: jduke@propertyobserver.com.au