NSW Minister  for Roads Duncan Gay and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres today announced that  Transport for NSW had unveiled the AECOM report, identifying the preferred  location and access points for a bridge linking pedestrians and cyclists between  Emu Plains and Penrith.

Mr Gay and Mr Ayres made the  announcement at Punt Road, south of the existing Victoria Bridge crossing.

“The NSW  Government has committed $20 million to fill a missing link in Penrith’s active  transport network – the proposed Nepean River Green Bridge,” said Mr Gay.

“I’m pleased  to be here today to announce that residents, business and community  organisations can now have their say on the future of the Nepean River Green  Bridge.

“The draft  AECOM report will be on display at Penrith City Council and Emu Plains Libraries  over the next two weeks to inform the community of the outcome of the bridge  location study and provide an opportunity for public  comment.

“I’d  particularly like to congratulate Stuart Ayres who took up the fight for this  project when he was elected in 2010.

“In two short  years, he’s done more than Labor could in all its 16 years in Government.”

Mr Ayres  welcomed the announcement.

“Developing  the new bridge is an opportunity not only to reconnect communities on both banks  of the river, but to make the crossing safer and more direct for the many  pedestrians and cyclists, including school children, who need to travel between  Emu Plains and Penrith,” he said.

“I know the  community will welcome today’s announcement.

“This draft  report examines the best location for a pedestrian and cycle bridge, and pathway  access options to the bridge from Penrith and Emu Plains.

“We want to  hear the community’s views on the suggested location for the bridge.

“It’s very  important we deliver the best possible outcomes for the whole community and we  encourage everyone to have their say.”

Mr Ayres said  the new bridge would also help complete the popular Nepean River Walk, which is  currently being developed by Penrith City Council.

“The  pedestrian and bicycle facilities on the existing Victoria Bridge are narrow and  close to heavy traffic using the Great Western Highway,” he said.

“While the  Long Term Transport Master Plan is expected to identify other important active  transport projects for Sydney, improving walking and cycling connections across  the Nepean River was an important election commitment by the NSW Government.”

The report can  also be viewed on the Transport for NSW, Roads & Maritime Services and  Penrith City Council websites.

A steering  group has been set up to guide the delivery of the Nepean River Green Bridge.

The group  includes representatives of Transport for NSW, Roads and Maritime Services,  Penrith City Council and the Victoria Bridge Community Taskforce.  Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres MP is also a  member of the group.

The report  will be displayed for two weeks and submissions close 17 July 2012.