City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to invest $50 million in Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 planning in its upcoming 2021-22 NSW Budget.

“Parramatta Light Rail is a game-changing transport project for the City of Parramatta and it’s fantastic to see the NSW Government committing to planning for Stage 2,” Cr Dwyer said.

“City of Parramatta Council has long advocated for a light rail network that includes Sydney Olympic Park with a direct interchange to Sydney Metro West, ferries and the existing heavy rail network.

“Sydney’s Central River City is booming and a strong public transport connection from the Parramatta CBD to growing residential suburbs and employment hubs will support our transformation.

“This critical funding announcement is a really important next step in realising the vision for a 30-minute City, and now provides certainty for the community and businesses along the route.”

In its Local Strategic Planning Statement, Council estimated that about 29,000 homes will be built along the extended Stage 2 route by 2036.

“Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will provide enormous economic and social benefits for the communities along the proposed route, particularly the construction of a public transport bridge from Melrose Park to Wentworth Point,” Cr Dwyer said.

“We look forward to working with the NSW Government to plan Stage 2 and ensure the project complements other City-shaping projects across the Parramatta Local Government Area.”