JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS
MEDIA RELEASE - NEW COMMUNITY GROUPS TO ADVISE ON BLUE MOUNTAINS HIGHWAY UPGRADE PROJECTS
Residents in the upper Blue Mountains and near Little Hartley are being invited to join new community advisory groups set up to provide local input and advice on upgrades of the Great Western Highway at Medlow Bath and Coxs River Road.
The Medlow Bath Upgrade Community Advisory Group and the Coxs River Road Upgrade Community Advisory Group will liaise with Transport for NSW and contractors on issues related to the upgrades that directly impact on residents.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said group members would work collaboratively to discuss construction plans and mitigation measures related to construction work, while providing feedback on proposed urban design and landscape outcomes, where appropriate.
“These new groups will give local residents a chance to voice their concerns, share their ideas and give vital feedback to Transport for NSW,” Minister Aitchison said.
“Ever since the former Liberal-National government announced these highway upgrades, community members have been asking for more consultation and now the Minns Labor Government is delivering.
“We have already met extensively with local MPs and we took a field trip with local community members to both work sites.
“The new community advisory groups will ensure that consultation is ongoing throughout the project.”
Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle, said after years of calls for more consultation from local residents, the establishment of the new groups was a win for Blue Mountains communities dealing with disruption caused by the highway upgrades.
“Advisory Group members will be able to give feedback on nightwork, access changes, bus stop relocations and any community events or other local matters where construction work has an impact,” Ms Doyle said.
“Where appropriate, members will offer feedback on urban design and landscaping plans along with planting selections. They may also have the opportunity to engage with other stakeholders such as council, Heritage NSW, cultural interpretation specialists and design consultants.
“We are looking for people who are passionate about, and well connected to, their local communities and who have the drive to work collaboratively with Transport and contractors to minimise impacts as we deliver these highway upgrades.”
Applications to join the Medlow Bath Upgrade Community Advisory Group and Coxs River Road Upgrade Community Advisory Group are now open and close on October 8.
To apply, download a copy of the relevant nomination form below and send the application, including a brief application letter of no more than one page, to gwh@transport.nsw.gov.au or Great Western Highway Community Advisory Group, PO Box 334, Parkes, NSW, 2870
- Coxs River Road Community Advisory Group Applications
- Medlow Bath Community Advisory Group Applications
More information on the Coxs River Road upgrade and Medlow Bath upgrade is available on the Transport for NSW website.
