Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun has expressed disappointment at Transport for NSW’s decision to reject Liverpool City Council’s proposal for the Fifteenth Avenue corridor, while urging the department to reconsider in the interests of Southwest Sydney’s future.
The proposal, developed by Liverpool City Council, would save up to 90 homes from demolition and reduce construction costs by an estimated $1 billion, while still delivering a vital transport corridor to support growth around Austral and connections to Western Sydney International Airport.
Mayor Mannoun said Council’s position has always been to work constructively with TfNSW to achieve the best possible outcome, however according to a media report, Transport “does not see the possibility of this alternate design”.
Mayor Mannoun said: “We believe our proposal strikes the right balance between delivering essential infrastructure and minimising impacts on local families.
“It is a practical, cost-effective option that deserves serious reconsideration.”
“It is significant that – according to media reports – experts supported Council’s proposal and took TfNSW to task, saying “the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade plan contradicts government policy and the project’s original objective of supporting public transport”.
The Mayor also addressed TfNSW claims that no substantive planning work had been undertaken by Council on the corridor, describing that assertion as incorrect.
“In 2017, Liverpool City Council secured Special Infrastructure Contributions funding from the NSW Government to undertake detailed investigations and design work for the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade, including progressing a business case aligned with the FAST corridor vision,” he said.
“That work was well advanced, informed by technical studies and community considerations, and remains publicly available.”
Mayor Mannoun said that in 2021, Transport for NSW assumed control of the project before Council could complete the full business case, and that Council’s substantial body of work should form part of any ongoing planning.
“It is important that the work already completed is properly recognised and built upon,” he said.
“Council has invested significant time, resources and expertise into developing a corridor that is future-focused and responsive to the needs of a rapidly growing region.”
The Mayor reiterated that Council has consistently advocated for a high-quality, future-proof transport solution and played a key role in securing major funding commitments from both State and Federal governments.
“We have done the groundwork, we have advocated strongly, and we remain ready to collaborate,” he said.
“This is about delivering the infrastructure our communities need in a way that is responsible, efficient and respectful.”
Mayor Mannoun again called on TfNSW to revisit the proposal.
“We ask the State Government to take another look at this option in the spirit of partnership,” he said.
“By working together and recognising the planning already undertaken, we can deliver a corridor that meets the needs of our growing community while protecting local homes and making the best use of public funds.”
“Our residents deserve a solution that gets this right for the long term.”
Traffic at a standstill on Fifteenth Avenue
