Author: CastleGroup

The Hills Shire Council has decided to invest more than $177 million on infrastructure projects in the upcoming 2019/2020 financial year. The primary sites identified for the infrastructure update include Rouse Hill, Kellyville, Balmoral, and Box Hill.

According to Liberal councillor Peter Gangemi, “We have a massively growing population, especially in the communities of North Kellyville and Box Hill and we need community infrastructure today for our residents — this is my top priority”.

Residents agree that the council has done well in maintaining the city in the past, however, have voiced concerns relating to the maintenance of gardens, fields, and roads. As such, the council has planned to allocate more resources towards these issues to address the concerns of residents.

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne stated that the budget is an example of a “historic era of growth and development” which is occurring in the Hills district. As explained by Cr Byrne, the plan identifies key services and infrastructure to shape the growth of The Hills region, and to support an estimated population of 250,000 by 2036.

The council has set aside $7.3 million for library services, $4.1 million to upgrade Kellyville Park which is to be the training site for the Parramatta Eels starting next year, $46.9 million to ensure the maintenance of natural surroundings, and $6.1 million on community services for the elderly.

“Our plan ensures council remains in a strong position to not only deliver our current goals, but also to provide for future growth and to continue The Hills Shire’s reputation as a great place to live, do business, grow and raise a family” said Cr Byrne.

What’s on the list:

• $83.5 million in acquiring land required for open space embellishments and playing fields in the Rouse Hill, Balmoral, North Kellyville and Box Hill Release areas
• $36.8 million on road rehabilitation and renewal to maintain pavement and wearing surfaces
• $11.6 million on maintaining existing parks and bushland
• $8.7 million to relieve congestion on traffic facilities
• $8.5 million on various new and existing parks embellishment and facilities
• $5.7 million on footpaths to enhance active lifestyle walking and cycling
• $4.1 million on Kellyville Park Upgrades
• $3.9 million in SES and Rural Bushfire activities
• $3.4 million on Hezlett Road improvement works
• $2.9 million on Balmoral Road Sports Complex Reserve
• $2.8 million on providing street lighting to create safer environments
• $1.8 million on The Water Lane Reserve, Box Hill, embellishments
• $1.7 million on environmental sustainability
• $1.48 million on Balcombe Heights Estate improvement (building) works

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Since the inauguration of the Sydney Metro North West, commuting from the outer suburbs into the city has become far easier. As such, proximity to the metro stations have become a high priority for first time home buyers entering the property market.

Most first time home buyers shied away from the north western suburbs because of several factors which included, but not limited to:

– Lack of awareness about the area
– Limited infrastructure
– Spotty public transport frequency with overcrowding during peak hours
– Distance from employment hubs

However, North Western suburbs have since gone through a renaissance to become one of the hottest areas for home buyers. The massive demand for the area has resulted in the Hills Shire Council preparing to take in an extra 76,000 homes over the next four decades.

Sydney Metro

The most prominent factor among all was the launch of the Sydney Metro. The new train line helped address some major concerns among the public i.e. transportation, awareness, and employment.

Transportation & Innovation

Primarily, the introduction of the driverless trains, combined with the ability to transport people from Tallawong to Chatswood in approximately 35 minutes, was cause for major celebrations. Hence, the metro became one of the most talked about events purely due to its innovation.

Hype & Awareness

Secondly, the hype created around the metro was able to shed light on other activities around the Rouse Hill area. The public was now made aware of the government’s plan to develop the North Western suburbs into a grand metropolis by investing heavily in public use facilities such as the upcoming Rouse Hill Hospital.
This, in conjunction with other private investments into business parks and retail precincts, caused a rise in demand for real estate in surrounding areas.

Employment

Finally, the increased public interest in the North Western district of Sydney caused businesses to consider opening offices, outlets, and stores which in turn addressed the employment issues. The Sydney Business Park in Marsden Park is a prime example of this turn of events.

The future of the Hills District

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said council’s focus is to ensure the right mix of housing is provided: “to suit the needs of our residents, as well as ensuring residents have access to infrastructure, jobs, and recreational opportunities to support the development of active, healthy and inclusive communities”.

Infrastructure projects and upgrades proposed by the Hills Shire Council to cater for 76,000 new homes include:

– The Norwest Parramatta Mass Transit Link
– North South Rail Link, Box Hill-Rouse Hill public transport corridor
– Outer Sydney Orbital
– A grade separation at Seven Hills and Windsor roads
– Baulkham Hills and Annangrove Road Arterial and Bypass
– Rouse Hill Town Centre expansion
– Riverstone Town Centre
– Rouse Hill Hospital

After three years of construction and decades of debates, the new WestConnex M4 tunnels were opened for use during the early hours of Saturday morning – 13^th of July, 2019.

The tunnels, which connect Homebush to Haberfield, have had the public excited for quite a while with its promise of cutting commuting times by up to 20 minutes.

“What excites me is the people using these tunnels will save 20 minutes off their travel times, by passing 22 sets of traffic lights,” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

M4 – What you need to know:

– The tunnels cost $3.8 billion to construct
– One-way toll between Homebush and Haberfield has been capped at $4.27
– The tunnels are 5.5km long with a 1km above ground road entry
– There are three lanes in each direction
– The tunnels have been made extra high to allow for most tall vehicles
– Entry and exit points include: an on and off ramp at Homebush Bay Drive, as westbound on ramp at Parramatta Rd in Strathfield eastbound on ramp and westbound off ramp at the Concord Rd Interchange, eastbound off ramp and westbound on ramp at Concord Rd, on and off ramps at Parramatta Rd in Ashfield, and on and off ramps at Wattle St, Haberfield
– More than 16,000 people worked on the project, including 4000 in construction over the past 3 years
– By 2021 there will be 67,000 a day through the tunnels
– Future stages include the new M5 (2020), and M4-M5 link from Haberfield to St. Peters (2023)

First Impressions

Motorists using the new tunnels have given it a thumbs up saying they found the commute “seamless” and they would “do it again”.

Meanwhile, Transport Management Centre spokesman Derek Peterson said for the most part, the tunnel was working well, but he advises drivers to take extra care.

“Just be aware there are changed traffic conditions, so you will need to follow the new signs, the new lane markings,” he said.

“Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and, just be prepared to slow down or stop when exiting.”

What is the impact of this tunnel?

Well, the tunnel is another great example of the government investment made in to making commutes from the suburbs to the city easier.

One can say that this tunnel, in addition to the Sydney Metro, is a sign that suburban residents are a key variable in the plans to make the city more connected and easier to navigate.