Melissa McIntosh, Federal Member for Lindsay and Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today announced that work at the site of the new Emu Plains Commuter car park project has been temporarily paused following the discovery of a number of Aboriginal heritage items on the site.
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh said the items were discovered during field surveys and a formal process is underway to determine next steps.
“It is important to properly investigate the finds and consult with local Aboriginal community groups to ensure that any items of cultural or historical significance are carefully managed,” Ms McIntosh said.
“This find could tell us more about the Aboriginal history and culture in our local area, and we must allow the experts the necessary time to thoroughly assess the items and inform the progress of the project moving forward.”
Stuart Ayres said once complete, the Emu Plains Commuter car park will provide customers with more convenient access to public transport and help ease road congestion.
“Both the NSW Government and the Australian Government remain absolutely committed to delivering a new car park with extra spaces for public transport customers at Emu Plains,” Stuart Ayres said.
“Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community updated, which will include a revised timeline for the project once a further assessment of the items has been completed.”
The features of the new car park include:
- up to 750 additional spaces located on vacant land to the west of Emu Plains Station, off Old Bathurst Road
- additional accessible parking spaces and motorcycle parking bays
- a new footbridge over Old Bathurst Road to provide safe and direct pedestrian access between the new car park and the station
- a new intersection on Old Bathurst Road to allow vehicle entry and exit into the car park
- landscaping including a vegetated drainage channel through the car park
- provision for future electric vehicle charging spaces
- Transport Park & Ride infrastructure (Opal operated boom gates)
- CCTV, lighting and wayfinding signage for improved safety and security
The Emu Plains commuter car park is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
For more information, please visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/emu-plains-commuter-car-park
