The federal government’s announcement this week of an audit on infrastructure spending could put up to 95 NSW infrastructure projects at risk, sparking concerns that vital projects promised to benefit Wollondilly residents will be dropped.

Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould has expressed his concerns that funding committed by the previous government for Silverdale Road, Picton Road, planning of the Picton Bypass, the metro rail link and the Campbelltown commuter car park could all be at risk as the Australian Labor government reigns in spending.

“This could be a huge setback to the Wollondilly Shire, which has had to bear the burden of growth for NSW without adequate infrastructure in place for so many years.”

“We have received funding commitments through a range of programs which the previous federal government had committed to, including road safety improvements on major transport links through the Shire, such as Silverdale Road and Picton Road.”

“Safety should not be compromised on these high traffic connecting roads and the planned upgrades must go ahead.”

“Expansion of the Campbelltown commuter car park is also an essential project for the people of Macarthur and Wollondilly, with a considerable proportion of local residents using that facility to access trains to the city, given the infrequency of trains from the Southern Highlands.”

“Of course, the Picton Bypass is something that the people of Wollondilly have been calling on for many years. The Bypass is needed to create a safe evacuation route during emergencies, to reduce traffic chaos and accidents when the historic Victoria Bridge is closed in Picton, to provide an alternate route for heavy vehicles, and to reduce the expected traffic increase due to future growth.”

“If the federal government abandons its promised $15 million for the business case for the Picton Bypass this could take us right back to square one on this urgently needed project.”

“Our connection to the new airport and the Sydney CBD will also be compromised if the Macarthur metro line does not go ahead, and I sincerely hope that NSW Labor leader Chris Minns’ commitment to a business case for this project before the State election will not be impacted, whatever the outcome of the federal government audit.”

“I am calling on federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King to honour the funding committed to the growing Wollondilly and Macarthur areas, where the impact will be most severely felt if these infrastructure projects do not go ahead.”

“The reality is many of these projects are already underway and removal of funding would have devastating consequences.”