The State Budget’s $400 million commitment to a Light Rail Network centred on Parramatta will revolutionise public transport in Western Sydney, Platinum Partner Parramatta City Council's Lord Mayor Cr John Chedid said today.
“This is fantastic news for Parramatta and Western Sydney, and a big vote of confidence in our Council’s plans for a light rail network linking Parramatta to key centres including Macquarie Park and the Hills district,” Cr Chedid said.
“I commend the Baird Government for this visionary move to help deliver modern 21st Century public transport for Western Sydney residents and workers.
“Last week, the Government announced a $10 million feasibility study for the network.
“The Budget’s reservation of $400 million for the light rail network is a further sign of just how serious the Government is about delivering much-needed new transport infrastructure for our region.
“The Light Rail Network will bring more jobs to Western Sydney, cater for our growing population and reduce traffic congestion by making it easier for residents and workers to leave their cars at home.
“As Lord Mayor, I have been campaigning for this project for several years. Our Council has conducted a detailed feasibility study which shows the project is viable at a total cost of $1.5 billion.
“The network will link two of the nation’s fastest growing CBDs, Parramatta and Macquarie Park, and also the Hills district, which supplies 60 per cent of Parramatta’s workforce.”
Cr Chedid said the network would be fast and frequent, with services coming every 10 minutes and every five minutes for stops within the Parramatta CBD.
“It will address the two main challenges facing Western Sydney: creating jobs and catering for a fast growing population. By 2031, the network will support 180,000 jobs and 50,000 homes,” he said.
“Our Council’s feasibility study has identified potential stops and routes along the network, which consists of two lines – the Macquarie Park Line and the Castle Hill Line.
“The Macquarie Park Line will connect Westmead, Cumberland Hospital, through Parramatta CBD, the University of Western Sydney, Dundas, Eastwood and Macquarie Park.
“From Parramatta, the Castle Hill Line follows Windsor Road, to Baulkham Hills and through the Castle Hill Trading Zone to Castle Hill and an interchange to the North West Rail Link.
“Both lines travel between Rydalmere and North Parramatta, across Parramatta CBD. This will strengthen the connections between employment and education, and support Parramatta’s growth.
“Our study recommends that the Macquarie Line be constructed first as it is expected to have strong patronage throughout the day and evening, from students and health workers at Westmead and the University of Western Sydney.”
Cr Chedid also welcomed the other Budget initiatives including extra funding for Western Sydney hospitals, more public service jobs for Western Sydney and the commitment to the M9 motorway project, which will ease traffic congestion by linking the Central Coast with the Illawarra.
