Great Western Highway Upgrade - REF submissions due

There are currently several sections of highway designated for upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow. The upgrade has been divided into three sections, with individual environmental impact assessments for each section:

• Katoomba to Blackheath
• Blackheath to Little Hartley – tunnel - on hold
• Little Hartley to Lithgow

The upgrade from Katoomba to Blackheath is proceeding as scheduled although the Blackheath to Little Hartley tunnel has been put on hold.

Submissions Due
On Sunday, 15th May 2022, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole released the concept plan and the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the upgrade between Katoomba and Blackheath. Neither the plan nor REF contain detailed analysis of the environmental consequences and ramifications for the National Park that the upgrade, and broader project, will likely have.

The upgrade is likely to have a significant impact on the environment, including:

• the surface and subsurface waters that flow into and through the National Park
• lands and waters adjacent to the construction area, including the Park
• biodiversity
• noise pollution
• loss of landscape character and visual pollution

Submissions on the REF can be made until 19 June 2022 at:
https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/great-western-highway/east

Previous information and a 2020 Society statement in relation to the GWH upgrade below: Great Western Highway Duplication - Blackheath

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Great Western Highway Duplication - Blackheath

Proposals for the duplication of the Great Western Highway (GWH) have now been released by the Roads & Maritime Services (RMS).

The Transport for NSW website's Have Your Say Facility has closed.

As reported in the Gazette plans to duplicate the highway between Katoomba and Lithgow have been revealed and involve tunnels, bridges and no encroachment on the National Park.

Here's a statement from the Society.

For more information, go to the Blackheath HWY Action Group website.