There has been a lot of talk about Elizabeth Drive and whether it would be upgraded or if the M12 would be the main road.

We can now confirm that the Elizabeth Drive project has been accelerated by funding provided as part of Special Infrastructure Contributions managed by the Department of Planning and Environment. This is to help fund the development of key pieces of infrastructure required to support the growing population.

Roads and Maritime Services are investigating options to improve Elizabeth Drive between Cecil Hills and Luddenham. An improved Elizabeth Drive would support the new Western Sydney Airport and the Western Parkland City.

The RMS held community consultation sessions last month with the project team and discussed the Elizabeth Drive upgrade proposal and listened to local feedback. Further information can be found online at https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney-west/elizabeth-drive-upgrade/index.html or by calling 1800 865303.

Feedback is invited until 5:00pm, Wednesday 10 July 2019 via email at elizabethdrive@rms.nsw.gov.au or mail to Elizabeth Drive Upgrade, Roads and Maritime Services, PO Box 973, Parramatta, NSW 2124.

Work is progressing on the realigned Badgerys Creek Road (moving 500m to the East to go around the airport) between Longleys Road and Elizabeth Drive, that will see a new roundabout to be constructed at the new intersection of Elizabeth Drive and Badgerys Creek Road.

Last month, Western Sydney Airport entered memoranda of understanding with the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia Group. The MOUs will see the airlines provide insights into designing and planning Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, as well as having early discussions around future Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Tigerair services using the Airport. Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Graham Millett said, “the MOU is a tremendous vote of confidence in Sydney’s new international airport from Australia’s airlines”.

Following on from last month, I can confirm that Jean and Artie Willmington’s Cuppa for Cancer handed over a cheque to the NSW Cancer Council for $26,436. Well done to all that helped. The Luddenham Cuppa for Cancer has now raised over $381,000.

Luddenham RFS are seeking expressions of interest from anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter. No experience is necessary. All training and equipment will be provided. The only requirements are that you are 18 years or older, reside or work in Luddenham (within 2kms of the fire station) and are willing to give it a go!

The brigade is made up entirely of local volunteers that respond 24/7, rain, hail or shine to a range of fires (e.g. bush, grass, car, house, shed) and emergencies (e.g. motor vehicle accidents, storm damage, oil spills, assist ambulance). They attend about 120 emergencies each year.

If you have an opinion on what Luddenham of the future should be like, please email your thoughts or views to willmingtons@bigpond.com.