The Fight for a Fairer Hills Future campaign has secured its first major win, with both the Federal Government and Federal Opposition committing to critical road infrastructure upgrades in The Hills.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced $220 million to widen and upgrade Windsor Road at Rouse Hill, in partnership with the NSW Government. An additional $20 million has been committed for a planning study to improve travel times on Old Windsor Road between Kellyville and Northmead.
Meanwhile, Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged $15 million to plan future upgrades along the Old Windsor Road–Windsor Road corridor.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, welcomed the announcements, noting that both roads are vital arterial routes identified in Council's Fight for a Fairer Hills Future campaign, which outlines the urgent need for upgrades to 45 roads across the Shire.
"These commitments are a positive step forward, but they only begin to address the growing infrastructure demands in our region," Mayor Byrne said.
"Our community still urgently needs upgrades to our roads, more sports fields, new schools, and action to address the infrastructure deficit in Box Hill."
The Fight for a Fairer Hills Future campaign was officially launched by Mayor Byrne, Deputy Mayor Clr Frank De Masi, and State Member for Kellyville Ray Williams on Monday at Kellyville Metro Station. The station borders the Bella Vista–Kellyville Transport Oriented Development precinct, which is set to accommodate more than 20,000 residents across 11,600 high-rise apartments within just one square kilometre.
It's just one of the many areas under development in the Hills, without any infrastructure to match the housing and population growth.
Council's campaign is also calling for investment to deliver 14 new schools, fund 40 sports fields, and address the $207 million infrastructure shortfall in Box Hill.
An ePetition is now available for residents to sign on the NSW Parliament website in support of the campaign.
"I want to thank everyone who has signed our petition so far—your support is making a real difference," Mayor Byrne said.
"But this is just the beginning. We need 20,000 people to stand with us and demand the infrastructure The Hills deserves. Once we reach this number, our concerns will be raised and debated in Parliament.
"We must ensure The Hills isn't left behind—we need the infrastructure, not just the housing," she added.
Residents are encouraged to support the campaign by signing the petition at fairerhillsfuture.com.au.
