This REF is supported by a range of specialist plans and reports. They are listed below and can be downloaded on the right hand side of this page. These reports have informed the REF and the mitigation measures developed.

Traffic Impact Assessment - WSP

Urban Design, Landscape Character and Visual Impact Assessment - GroupGSA

Biodiversity Assessment Report - Niche

Aboriginal Archaeological Survey Report - Kelleher Nightingale

Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment - Stantec

Socio-Economic Impact Assessment - Stantec

Soil, Geotechnical and Contamination Assessment - Douglas Partners

Surface Water Impact Assessment - Stantec

Mention of the ramps and bridge proposal has been included in our communications and engagement activities since we acquired the North Wilton site in 2021.

Then in February and March this year, we consulted the community more closely to support the creation of the draft Review of Environmental Factors. Through factsheets, social media, community events and meetings, we acted to raise awareness of the proposal, and understand the community's expectations and potential impacts.

Chapter 5 of the REF provides a report detailing what we heard and responses. We received questions and feedback around design, ramp location and operational traffic impacts.

Traffic

A Traffic Impact Assessment has been prepared that assesses potential traffic and transport impacts during construction and operation of the proposal for all road users. There impacts during construction is expected to be minor, with temporary traffic arrangements in place to minimise disruption to the road network. A Traffic Management Plan will be prepared and implemented as part of the Construction Environmental Management Plan by the contractor.

Once operational, the proposed entry and exit ramps and new bridge would provide sufficient capacity to accommodate the volume of traffic predicted to use them.

Biodiversity

The proposal would result in the clearing of 4.77 ha of native vegetation. The Biodiversity Assessment Report concluded that the proposal is unlikely to lead to a significant impact on threatened species, populations, ecological communities or their habitats. Biodiversity offsets will be undertaken under Transport for NSW guidelines.

Surface water

A detailed Erosion and Sediment Control Plan will be prepared to manage water quality during construction. Impacts will be minor through the implementation of mitigation measures during pre-construction and construction phase in relation to erosion and sediment control.

The proposal involves a slight increase of impervious areas resulting in minor decreases to water quality and minor increases to peak flows. The changes have been minimised as far as practical through the design of the proposal and suggested mitigation measures.

The proposal would not intercept known groundwater levels and hence unlikely to have a significant impact to groundwater. The proposal is unlikely to result in an adverse impact on the water quality of Allens Creek.

Soil and contamination

There is potential for minor impacts stemming from earthworks during construction. No contaminated materials have been identified to date, however unexpected finds may occur. Safeguards and mitigation measures will be implemented during construction. Disturbed areas will be revegetated and stabilised after construction.

Noise and vibration

Construction activities may result in noise and vibration impacts to nearby residents and businesses. A detailed construction noise and vibration management plan will be prepared by the contractor to minimise and manage impacts.

The assessment of potential noise impacts from construction traffic accessing the site found that construction vehicles are not likely to noticeably increase road noise. Separately, the maximum noise levels at surrounding residences are unlikely to increase due to the operation of the proposal given the low number of heavy vehicles expected to use the new ramps during the night-time period.

Air quality

Air quality impacts due to dust generation from earthworks and other construction related activity are considered minor as they would be minimised by implementing best-practice management measures, which would be defined in an Air Quality Management Plan as part of the Construction Environmental Management Plan prepared by the contractor.

The proposal would enable and support the development of the North Wilton Precinct and the wider locality. The new bridge and southbound exit ramp would connect with the existing local road network and the northbound entry ramp would be accessed via a local sub-arterial road.

The Wilton Growth Area (WGA) has been identified by the NSW Government as a key area to support urban growth in the greater Sydney region. To unlock the potential of the WGA, the North Wilton Precinct and surrounding areas, upgrades to transport infrastructure must align with current and future needs, considering forecasted population and economic growth.

The construction of the proposal is crucial for the area's growth. Landcom plans to build approximately 5,600 homes in the North Wilton Precinct, along with public infrastructure such as schools, sporting fields, and a local town centre over the next 27 years. Once completed, the proposal will serve as the primary access to the North Wilton Precinct and provide access to Bingara Gorge and surrounding areas.

The proposal aims to ease congestion and improve travel times by providing direct access to the arterial road network through a new bridge and ramps. This will relieve traffic on Fairway Drive, Pembroke Parade, Picton Road, and the Hume Motorway-Picton Road interchange. Additionally, it will enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists via the Niloc Bridge.

Although the proposal would result in some minor environmental impacts including on biodiversity, water quality, noise, air quality, landscape character and visual amenity, they have been avoided or minimised where possible through the design and site-specific safeguards and mitigation measures.

The benefits of improving traffic efficiency, road safety and connectivity within Wilton are considered to outweigh the impacts associated with the proposal.