A plan to build 15,000 new homes in the Wilton area over the next 30 years has not considered connectivity to future rail lines, according to the Illawarra Business Chamber.
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The NSW government has released a draft development control plan (DCP) looking into the Wilton Growth Area, which includes the already established Bingara Gorge development along Picton Road.
The rail corridor for the Maldon-Dombarton line runs through the centre of the growth area and the Illawarra Business Chamber is concerned the draft report only mentions it twice in 117 pages.
Executive Director Adam Zarth was concerned about the lack of planned connectivity to that rail line.
"It is concerning that the draft DCP does not make provision for commuter stations along the Maldon-Dombarton rail corridor, which would leave future residents of Wilton isolated from public transport, significantly exacerbate congestion and hamper economic growth," Mr Zarth said.
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The chamber is a proponent of the South West Illawarra Rail Link (SWIRL), which would see the Maldon-Dombarton line also carry passenger trains.
In a submission to the draft DCP, the Illawarra Business Chamber called for the report to make provisions for future passenger services through Wilton.
It also wanted a revision of the DCP's 100-metre setback for the rail corridor, suggesting it should be wide enough to allow for two sets of tracks in each direction - for freight and passenger services.
A third recommendation from the business chamber focused on an upgrade of Picton Road, suggesting bringing it up to motorway standard "is required in the short term".
"As new residents move into Wilton Growth Area, Picton Road will become an increasingly used thoroughfare that will be operating at capacity within the next five years," the Illawarra Business Chamber submission stated.
"Planning for a comprehensive upgrade to motorway standard should commence as a matter of priority."
Mr Zarth said the draft DCP's planning arrangement did "not address the interests of the residents of the Illawarra, or the future residents of Wilton".