$580 Million Boost for Flood Resilience and Housing in Western Sydney

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to media at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Jan. 13, 2025. AAP Image/Dominic Giannini

The Albanese government has announced a $580 million (US$361 million) package to enhance flood resilience and support housing growth in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and surrounding areas in Western Sydney.

The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Resilience and Housing Growth Package includes $345.3 million for Stage 1 of the Townson Road and Burdekin Road project.

This stage will upgrade 1.6 kilometres of Townson Road between Richmond Road and Jersey Road, introducing two lanes in either direction, separated by a raised median.

The funding comes as unofficial election campaigning kicks off.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the funding will provide security for the region, enabling it to thrive.

“We back Western Sydney and we are building a better future for people here,” he stated.

The upgrades aim to improve the safety and capacity of evacuation routes from Schofields to Marsden Park, providing better connectivity to Richmond Road, a designated evacuation route.

The region is expected to accommodate around 250,000 people once fully developed.

Further Investments in Key Corridors

The package also includes $234.7 million to upgrade Garfield Road West, allowing the project to advance into detailed design and early works.

It will cover 3.2 kilometres between Richmond Road in Marsden Park and Denmark Road in Riverstone.

The improvements will increase road capacity to handle rising traffic demands, enhance safety, and provide better public transport services through dedicated bus priority signals and additional traffic lanes.

It also aims to address the region’s high flood exposure, given its unique landscape and history of severe flooding, including multiple significant floods in the past five years.

Political Implications Ahead of Elections

The investment is seen as an effort to bolster voter support ahead of the elections. Western Sydney, home to a large immigrant population, particularly from the Muslim community, has traditionally supported Labor.

However, dissatisfaction has grown among some community members who believe the party could have done more regarding the Israel-Palestine issue.

Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King emphasised the importance of the upgrades for the region’s future.

“We’re investing $18 billion in the infrastructure we need to build the future of Sydney’s West—from the new airport to the new metro, to the resilience of the Hawkesbury-Nepean,” she said.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland also highlighted the benefits of the upgrades.

“These upgrades across key east-west corridors will mean residents in North Western Sydney spend less time on the road, and more time with their families,” she said.