Local Labor MPs have today expressed their dismay at the State and Federal Coalition Governments’ heavily politicised Cities Deal.

In recent years South-West Sydney has experienced exponential growth, with governments allowing almost uncapped development whilst at the same time failing to provide our region with necessary infrastructure to keep up with the pace of growth.

Rather than using the Western Sydney Cities Deal as an opportunity to secure genuine partnerships and to provide South-West Sydney with funding for the vital infrastructure projects it so desperately needs, the State and Federal Coalition Governments have treated our region with contempt once again.

The State and Federal Liberal-National Governments provided South-West Sydney with a paltry amount of funding, to encourage Councils to sign up to their deal, and have taken advantage of this trust.

Residents of South-West Sydney have been treated with disdain by the State and Federal Coalition Governments; they have been taken advantage of so that the Government could use this deal to score cheap political points.

With the mass development that continues to occur in our suburbs, it is irresponsible for the Berejiklian and Morrison Governments to continue to ignore our region’s needs.

It has become abundantly clear that the City Deals have become subject to political whim, due to the lack of rigour and independent oversight.

Had the deal been implemented effectively and fairly, it would have secured far more for our region in terms of long overdue, vital infrastructure projects, rather than a single project that will merely redevelop existing green space.

Quotes attributable to Dr Mike Freelander MP:

“The Macarthur region was dealt a heavy blow with the Government’s Western Sydney Cities Deal.”

“The deal provided nothing for Macarthur residents, in terms of vital public transport infrastructure.”

“Federal Labor, on the other hand, understands that a Government cannot simply allow an aerotropolis to be built without an adequate rail connection in place. That’s why we have already committed $3 billion towards the construction of Western Sydney Rail.”

Quotes attributable to Anne Stanley MP:

“The new Western Sydney Airport and aerotropolis are a once in the generation opportunity to ensure Western Sydney reaches its full potential.”

“Given the economic windfall that will come from the new airport, our local councils in Western Sydney deserve better than $15 million each.”

Quotes attributable to Anoulack Chanthivong MP:

“We were short-changed in the City Deal from the start and nothing has changed. Where was our billion dollar rail link connecting the Western Sydney Airport to Macarthur and Leppington?

“My local community will not be fooled into believing this was a good deal for our area because the City Deal did nothing to accommodate the explosive growth and ease congestion.

“The Liberals’ record in delivering for south west Sydney is abysmal and they can’t be trusted. Our suburbs are being destroyed by rampant overdevelopment and we have had enough. Stop the Squeeze.”

Quotes attributable to Greg Warren MP:

“The city deal was pitched as all three levels of government coming together for the betterment of our community.

“Yet, Campbelltown received no commitments for vital infrastructure or services.

“The Liberal federal and state governments have taken a lot from Campbelltown, but they have given very little in return.”