Liverpool demands “world class” infrastructure

Liverpool City Council has called on Premier Chris Minns to honour his promise that the upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue will be a “… world class piece of transport infrastructure”.

In a Mayoral Minute unanimously adopted by the Council last night, the council also decided to thank all those who committed to or assisted the council to gain the $1bn upgrade to the crucial road link to Western Sydney International Airport.

Currently a two-lane suburban road, Liverpool City Council wants it to be a high capacity, multimodal transport corridor that serves the region for decades to come, Mayor Ned Mannoun said.

“Fifteenth Avenue is poised to turn into Liverpool’s main link to the Bradfield and beyond,” the Mayor said.

“Currently, more than 22,000 vehicles per day use the two-lane Fifteenth Avenue.

“Residents face congestion every day and it will only worsen as Austral and surrounding suburbs continue to develop.

“The pressure on our local road network is already unsustainable, and further delays will continue to diminish the quality of life for our residents.

“In order for the road to be world-class, FifteenthAvenue needs at least six lanes – including a fast transit corridor.

“The upgrade must include footpaths and cycleways which promote active transport, enhance liveability and ensure pedestrian safety.

“Such a design will ensure seamless movement of people and goods, reducing congestion and travel times while facilitating economic growth.

“Connecting Fifteenth Avenue to Bradfield and Western Sydney International Airport should not be deferred to a later stage beyond the announced 2031 delivery timeframe (4 years commencing 2027) – the community needs this upgrade now.

“The Premier has promised a world class infrastructure project: it is our role, as a Council, to hold the State and Federal Government to that promise and to give the community the infrastructure they deserve.

“That’s why we will continue with our advocacy campaign and keep the issue alive,” the Mayor said.

Images

Traffic Congestion on Fifteenth Avenue Austral

Full Text of Mayoral Minute A World Class Upgrade to Fifteenth Avenue REPORT OF: Mayor Ned Mannoun DATE: 26 February 2025 SUBJECT

On 19 January 2025 the NSW and the Federal Government announced $1 billion to upgrade Fifteenth Avenue, the main arterial road between Liverpool and the Aerotropolis. This announcement comes off the back of a grassroots Council-run campaign calling on the upgrade of the corridor. This initiative must go beyond a simple road upgrade and deliver a transformative infrastructure project that prioritises public transport, connectivity, and active transport options.

Fifteenth Avenue is poised to turn into Liverpool’s main link to the Bradfield and beyond. Currently, more than 22,000 vehicles per day use the two-lane Fifteenth Avenue. Residents face congestion every day, and it will only worsen as Austral and surrounding suburbs continue to develop. The pressure on our local road network is already unsustainable, and further delays will continue to diminish the quality of life for our residents.

Western Sydney has done most of the work in providing housing for the city. The community deserves high quality infrastructure, and I look forward to Fifteenth Avenue being, as Premier Chris Minns stated, “… a world class piece of transport infrastructure.”

This cannot just be about widening the current road but creating a high capacity, multimodal transport corridor that serves the region for decades to come. A key objective of this upgrade must be to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Many residents in the surrounding areas currently face the financial burden of owning multiple cars, which is particularly challenging during a cost-of-living crisis. A reliable, efficient, and high-speed public transport link will provide an affordable alternative, reducing household expenses while improving overall mobility.

In order for the road to be world-class, FifteenthAvenue needs at least 6 lanes – including a fast transit corridor. The upgrade must include footpaths and cycleways which promote active transport, enhance liveability and ensure pedestrian safety. Such a design will ensure seamless movement of people and goods, reducing congestion and travel times while facilitating economic growth.

Connecting Fifteenth Avenue to Bradfield and Western Sydney International Airport should not be deferred to a later stage beyond the announced 2031 delivery timeframe (4 years commencing 2027) – the community needs this upgrade now.

The Premier has promised a world class infrastructure project – it is our role, as a Council, to hold the State and Federal Government to that promise and to give the community the infrastructure they deserve.

Motion:

That Council:

Writes to the NSW Government and the Federal Government, thanking the Premier and Prime Minister for their $1 billion commitment to upgrading Fifteenth Avenue, whilst also: Reaffirming Council’s position that a world-class transport corridor must include a minimum of three lanes in each direction, incorporating a dedicated fast transit corridor, footpaths, and cycleways to enhance liveability, safety, and long-term mobility. Emphasing the urgency of preserving the Fifteenth Avenue corridor to safeguard the future expansion and functionality of the upgraded road. Directing the NSW Government to Council’s Fifteenth Avenue Masterplan, which outlines Council’s vision for a fully integrated transport link between Liverpool and the Aerotropolis. Calling on the NSW Government to expedite the delivery of the project within the announced 2027–2031 timeframe, ensuring that the transit corridor is delivered as part of the initial upgrade and not deferred to a later stage. Stresses the strategic importance of the upgrade as a key arterial route connecting Liverpool to Bradfield and Western Sydney International Airport. Calls on the NSW Government to include Liverpool City Council in planning decisions regarding the upgrade, to ensure Council has input in the draft designs of Fifteenth Avenue Thanks Council staff, particularly those within the City Futures and Planning and Compliance directorates, for their efforts in advocating for this critical infrastructure upgrade and mobilising the community through a grass-roots campaign. Writes to Mr Mark Coure MP, Member for Oatley and Shadow Minister for South-Western Sydney, thanking him for his advocacy and for sponsoring Council’s Parliamentary Petition. Writes to Mr Nathan Haggarty MP, Member for Leppington, thanking him for his advocacy for Fifteenth Avenue Acknowledges the concerns of the community in Austral and Middleton Grange, especially regarding safety and travel times on Fifteenth Avenue, and thanks residents for supporting Council’s advocacy efforts

The Motion was carried unanimously.