The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment has received thousands of submissions for the WestConnex M4-M5 Link proposal, which are now publicly available.
The Department received nearly 13,000 community submissions from approximately 7,940 submitters, nine from Government agencies and three from local councils before the 60-day exhibition period of the Environmental Impact Statement ended.
More than 10,000 of the community submissions were coordinated by the Coalition Against WestConnex, a local group opposed to the $16.8 billion road project.
A Department spokesperson said community consultation is integral to the assessment of all major projects.
“The proponent, Roads and Maritime Services, is required to respond to all issues raised in the submissions,” a Department spokesperson said.
“Community views will be taken into consideration during our assessment, where the proposal will be thoroughly assessed against clear, consistent rules and policies.”
Roads and Maritime Services is now reviewing the submissions. Once their response to submissions report is received by the Department it will be published on the Major Projects website.
The Department will undertake a thorough assessment of the merits of the project in consultation with key government agencies and independent experts. The final decision on the project will be made by the Minister for Planning.
