Parramatta City Council is kick-starting moves to build a fast rail link from the new Badgerys Creek airport to the Sydney CBD via Parramatta by funding a feasibility study into the proposal.

Council will set aside $50,000 from its annual budget for an initial feasibility concept report into the development of a fast rail link, which it believes should be built during construction of Sydney’s second airport.

“Evidence from around the world indicates that cities that have been successful in establishing viable second airports have established fast rail links,” Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Scott Lloyd said.

“Those comparable airports that don’t have effective fast rail links have experienced significant difficulty encouraging key airlines to relocate their operations due to concerns about traveller access, and we want Badgerys Creek airport to become a true gateway into Sydney’s West,” Cr Lloyd said.

The current commitment by the Federal Government to build Sydney’s second airport makes no immediate provision for rail connections. Instead the Federal and NSW Governments have announced a $3.5 billion package to improve road access to Badgerys Creek.

Council staff will prepare a report on the potential of a fast rail line linking Badgerys Creek to Parramatta and the Sydney CBD and a consultant will be engaged to assist with the preparation of the feasibility report.

It is envisaged that the construction costs of the fast rail link would depend upon existing track capacity, and that some tunnelling for new track and stations would be involved.

Council is aware that a number of transport and property consortiums have floated the idea of developing a fast rail link between the Sydney CBD and Badgerys Creek, with options to extend the line to Canberra.

For more information call 9806 5050