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2.11 Road and Freight Network
Metro Station
Metro Line (Above Ground)
Rouse Hill Strategic Centre
Primary Arterial Road
Sub-Arterial Road
Signalised Intersection
Roundabout
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Metro Station
Metro Line (Above Ground)
Rouse Hill Strategic Centre Freight Network
Road Network
The Study Area is serviced by an extensive network of roads which are utilised by pedestrians, bicycles, buses, freight and general traffic. State roads (arterial roads) are managed and funded by Transport for NSW and sub-arterial and local roads are managed and funded by Council.
• The area is serviced by Windsor Road which is a key north-south arterial road as well as several sub-arterial roads including Annangrove Road, Mile End Road, Withers Road, Commercial Road and Schofields Road (in Blacktown LGA).
• The arterial road network provides connections between Rouse Hill and neighbouring centres, as well as beyond to the City, outer Western Sydney, rural areas to the north and the future Western Sydney Airport. Congestion is currently significant along Windsor Road during peak periods, particularly around the Rouse Hill Town Centre. Upgrades to this road to support growth would be the responsibility of State Government.
• Sub-arterial and collector roads provide links between key land use and activity areas, as well as the arterial road network and local roads. With travel demand expected to significantly increase as a result of uplift within the Centre and neighbouring release areas (particularly Box Hill and Gables), upgrades will be needed to ease pressure on the existing road network and new links will be required to improve connectivity.
Freight Network
• Efficient freight links facilitate effective movement of goods, allowing supply chains to function smoothly and influence new markets. Planning for freight and servicing of residential and commercial development is crucial to how the Shire works and connects to adjoining areas, Greater Sydney and beyond. It is a shared responsibility between the NSW Government and Councils.
• Generally, within The Hills Shire, the freight network is confined to the road network in the absence of heavy rail infrastructure. As such, congestion on the local and regional road network presents a challenge for freight movements and for residents living within and around The Hills.
• There are two tertiary freight routes around the perimeter of the Strategic Centre, being Windsor Road and Withers Road. These freight routes connect to other routes beyond the Strategic Centre, being Annangrove Road and Schofields Road.
• Tertiary freight routes provide connections from the local road network, serving numerous major businesses and freight origins and destinations. These roads carry lower volumes of heavy vehicles (<2,000 heavy vehicle annual average daily traffic) than primary routes such as the M7 and M2 Motorways which typically carry volumes of more than 4,000 heavy vehicle annual average daily traffic.
2.12 Natural Environment and Special Uses
Metro Station Metro Line (Above Ground) Rouse Hill Strategic Centre
Metro Station
Metro Line (Above Ground)
Rouse Hill Strategic Centre
Passive Open Space
Active Open Space
Vegetation
Creek
Topography
• The highest geographic points within the Study Area are located along Mile End Road, Windsor Road (north of Rouse Hill Drive) and at the junction of Commercial Road and Withers Road (shown in yellow in Figure 25 above).
• The north-south spine of Caddies Creek is the lowest point (shown in blue in Figure 25 above).
• There is reasonable variability in topography across the Centre. However, the terrain is relatively level in key areas such as the Town Centre, which is conducive to the creation of active and walkable neighbourhoods, especially in a north-south direction, which aligns with the elongated orientation of the Centre.
The Study Area is generally void of endangered ecological communities, which reflects its substantial development to date. The main presence of critically endangered vegetation occurs
• The Hills Centenary Park and Bruce Purser Reserve provide active recreation facilities including athletics, cricket, baseball and AFL fields and associated amenities. Caddies Creek Sports Complex is located to the south of the Strategic Centre.
Metro Station
Metro Line (Above Ground)
Rouse Hill Strategic Centre
Catchment Area
Overland Flowpath / Creek
100 Year Flood Extent
Metro Station
Metro Line (Above Ground)
Rouse Hill Strategic Centre
Easement for Transmission Line
Electricity Substation
Heritage Item
Open Space
Hydrology
• The Study Area currently features a number of hydrological considerations, including flood prone land, creeks and overland flow paths. These factors have been considerations in developing this Strategic Centre to date and will continue to influence future development outcomes. They are unlikely to create any impediments to development that are unable to be resolved.
• The northern portion of the Centre currently drains into Second Ponds Creek Catchment. The southern portion drains into Caddies Creek Catchment.
• The Caddies Creek Corridor is under Sydney Water ownership and is zoned SP2 Infrastructure, reflective of its drainage function.
*Note: The information presented in this map on flood extent is subject to disclaimer and copyright notice. Refer to Appendix A for details.
Special Uses
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• The Rouse Hill Strategic Centre and its surrounds has a rich local history and includes various local and state heritage items such as The Fiddler, Aberdoon House, Mungerie House, Castlebrook Lawn Cemetery and the Rouse Hill Estate.
• Other special uses include an electricity substation along Commercial Road (within the Northern Frame, directly adjoining the planned Rouse Hill Hospital).
• An electricity easement also passes through the northernmost tip of the Strategic Centre.
