Weekly Mayor's Message
Of the three spheres of government, it is local government, your council, that maintains closest ties with the community. The weekly Mayor's Message is an opportunity to report to our ratepayers on a regular basis, and highlight the achievements and shortfalls that are of concern to all of us.
Week Beginning Monday 14 May, 2012
Mayor of the Hills Shire, Clr Greg Burnett
Tom Gellibrand on board Northwest Rail Team
The O’Farrell Government is pressing on with plans for the construction of the 23km North West Rail Link, despite the Federal Government’s decision to reject funding assistance.
The project is about more than building a critically-needed piece of public transport infrastructure for the people of North-West and Western Sydney. It is about building the future for the whole of Sydney through the flow-on effects of economic growth, improved connectivity and jobs creation.
The new line will provide eight railway stations at Cherrybrook, Castle Hill, The Hills Centre, Norwest, Bella Vista, Kellyville, Rouse Hill and Cudgegong Road, along with 4,000 commuter car parking spaces to serve Sydney’s transport-starved regions. The first Environmental Impact Statement is now on public exhibition and Council is working on a submission to clearly articulate our views on the planning and proposed implementation of this major project for Sydney.
I would like to welcome Tom Gellibrand to the North West Rail Team on his appointment as Director of Customer Strategy & Planning. Tom has 20 years plus experience in strategic planning at both the State and Local government level, and has previously assisted Blacktown Council with the redevelopment of their transport interchange.
Tom’s role revolves around the planning that will occur around the new stations. Transport linkages, commuter car parking and the uses for the land adjoining the stations will all require careful consideration to ensure good outcomes for commuters while supporting great amenity for the surrounding community.
I look forward to working with Tom and the rest of the team in the future to ensure the construction of the North West Rail Link delivers not only future passengers to and from our Shire, but also delivers dynamic places around our new stations with high amenity and cohesiveness – enhancing the excellent quality of life we enjoy in the Sydney Hills.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Clr Greg Burnett
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