Federal funding activating local priorities in Parramatta

The Albanese Labor Government continues to partner with the City of Parramatta to deliver high-priority local transport and community infrastructure projects across Parramatta.

Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP was in town on Thursday alongside Federal Member for Parramatta, Dr Andrew Charlton MP, highlighting the significant impact these projects will have.

The Albanese Government is injecting more than $1.2 million in additional funding towards the City of Parramatta under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program – which builds on over $11.4 million committed under Phases 1 – 3.

LRCI funding has assisted the City of Parramatta to improve road safety and upgrade community infrastructure, such as new sporting and recreation facilities at Milson Park – due for completion in mid-2024, and made possible with $450,000 in federal funding.

This is on top of over $6.4 million delivered to the City of Parramatta under the Roads to Recovery Program to improve the accessibility, safety and maintenance of local roads – including River Road and Coffey Street in Ermington, and Ray Road in Epping.

Under the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP), the Australian Government has also committed $2 million toward the $11.5 million Hunts Creek Culvert replacement project, with an additional

$1.2 million awarded under the LRCI program to progress this priority project.

Parramatta also stands to benefit from the planned $220 million Epping Bridge project, which the Australian Government has committed $110 million in partnership with the NSW Government.

This is on top of the $8.5 million Hill Road Upgrade for Wentworth Point – an election commitment already nearing completion – fully funded by the Australian Government.

The Australian Government is also contributing $50 million towards the planned $100 million Homebush Bay Drive project – improving this key road network as it faces more demand.

To support councils deliver future road safety upgrades, the Government is significantly increasing Commonwealth road funding programs.

The annual R2R commitment of $500 million will increase to $1 billion per year, with the Road Black Spot Program rising from $110 million to $150 million per year, and a new $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to be established.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“It’s fantastic to see work progressing across Parramatta thanks to the significant investment from the Albanese Government, which is ensuring that we can get priority projects off the ground - in partnership with the City of Parramatta.

“Not only have we injected more funding to ensure local infrastructure is fit-for-purpose and meets community need, significantly increased funding is supporting road safety improvements across Western Sydney.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Parramatta, Dr Andrew Charlton MP:

“Oatlands deserves to have the community and road infrastructure it needs to keep the area safe and family friendly. Over the past year, I’ve listened to the concerns of residents and have worked to secure this funding to make our streets safer.

“As Parramatta continues to grow, I’m working with the Albanese Government and City of Parramatta Council to deliver the community infrastructure that locals need and keep our city’s growth sustainable.”

Quotes attributable to City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Pierre Esber:

“I welcome the Australian Government’s investment in Parramatta and the diverse projects that will make our community strong into the future.

"Western Sydney residents can be confident that the City of Parramatta has a strong partnership with the Australian Government – because when we row in the same direction, we get better outcomes.”