NSW Premier Mike Baird and Transport Minister Andrew Constance today announced the preferred network for light rail in Parramatta. This will run between Westmead and Camellia through Parramatta CBD, branching to Strathfield via Sydney Olympic Park and out to Carlingford, maximizing transport connections, jobs growth and urban revitalisation.
The spine of the network, which could be the core of a future wider light rail network, will link areas that are being transformed through significant Government and private investment, including Westmead Health Precinct, Parramatta North renewal area and Pirtek Stadium. It will serve a revitalised Camellia and allow students at Western Sydney University’s Rydalmere campus to catch light rail from the CBD. Light rail will also serve a new technology and education precinct at Rydalmere, creating jobs in Sydney’s growing knowledge economy.
A branch will continue to Strathfield via Sydney Olympic Park, which is already a premier destination for sporting and entertainment events and is set to grow further as a new town centre surrounded by quality parkland. Another branch between Camellia and Carlingford will provide users with more frequent services than the current train line provides, serving the growing precincts of Telopea and Dundas.
The NSW Government will continue to identify opportunities for future light rail and bus rapid transit corridors in parallel with development of the preferred network. This will include looking at ways to strengthen transport links between Carlingford and Epping.
More information about the preferred network is available on the Transport for NSW website at http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/lightrail-program/parramatta-light-rail.
The NSW Government has already set aside $1 billion for the light rail network. Early estimates indicate that further funding is needed to deliver the entire new network. The Government will now work closely with businesses and councils to look at new funding models to meet the total cost of this crucial infrastructure.
From early in 2016, the project team will be contacting key stakeholders to arrange meetings. These discussions will help determine the detailed design of the preferred network which will be taken to the Cabinet in the middle of the year. We would then commence engagement with the wider community to ensure that Parramatta Light Rail best meets the needs of local communities.
