Questions from the community around the process for the duplication of the Richmond Bridge are being flatly ignored by government, Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman has said.

The project is one of the biggest infrastructure undertakings the Hawkesbury has ever seen, and Ms Templemam said she shares residents’ frustration over a lack of answers on the preferred route for the new bridge.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has held online meetings on Facebook Live, however Ms Templeman said many residents’ questions simply don’t get addressed.

“People have been valiantly trying to get questions answered by Transport for NSW about the preferred option for the Richmond Bridge, and I am as frustrated as they are at the lack of response,” Ms Templeman said.

“I’ve been on all the Facebook Live events, I’ve seen people asking questions, and they’re either getting only partial answers or being outright ignored.

“It’s not good enough. Residents deserve to have their questions addressed, including outlining changes made to the project when an additional $250 million of federal funding was announced.

“There’s many things we simply don’t know the answers to.

“I’ve also been continually denied any briefing on this project as the Federal Member for the area, despite the fact 80 per cent of the $500 million involved is from federal coffers.

“The NSW Minister for Transport has refused to brief me, and the Federal Minister says it’s not his problem.

“By contrast, I am regularly given briefings for projects happening on the Blue Mountains side of the electorate. I know what should be happening, and I can see what isn’t happening.

“The Richmond Bridge duplication is a once-in-a-generation chance to build something great. So why is there no transparency? What have they got to hide? 

“It’s no wonder the community is questioning the process.  

“I will continue to fight for residents to have proper consultation, as well as answers to the questions they are very rightly asking on this major project.”  

Ms Templeman emailed the NSW Minister for Transport and Roads again today (September 14) requesting “additional opportunities to discuss the Richmond Bridge Duplication proposal” for the community. 

“[The Facebook sessions] seem like a “tick and flick” exercise – something for the Department to endure, rather than embrace. Without more genuine virtual engagement, or allowing face to face sessions, it is impossible for the community to feel that its concerns are being seriously listened to,” the email stated.