Western Sydney’s councils, major landowners and advocacy groups have joined forces to campaign for Sydney’s missing rail link – a ‘north/south spine’ through Badgerys Creek Airport that links major regional residential and employment zones.
The Western Sydney Rail Alliance comprising of Campbelltown, Liverpool and Penrith Councils, Sydney University, south-west and north-west landowners, and the Committee for Sydney and Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue are united in their calls for a rail connection along the north-south corridor, stretching from Campbelltown/Camden in the South West through to Marsden Park in the North West.
Known as the ‘innovation corridor’ which was the focus for WSBC Platinum Partner Western Sydney University's report and WSBC event last year, the route would link Western Sydney’s massive growth areas, as well as Badgerys Creek Airport, the Sydney Science Park and major tertiary institutions.
The Alliance has been established to respond to the Joint NSW/Federal Government Investigation into Rail Options for Western Sydney, and has appointed WSBC Platinum Partner Deloitte and Arup to prepare a detailed submission, analysing the opportunities and challenges that exist in the corridor and how improved transport links will unlock the jobs, homes and education of the future. Importantly, the study will also examine the ‘value capture’ potential of this corridor, to help meet the costs of construction.
“The one critical thing missing in Sydney’s transport network is the north-south spine, a connection that links to all of the key growth and employment areas. Make no mistake, this is not just about leveraging the once in a lifetime opportunities that come with the Western Sydney Airport, but about connecting Western Sydney with Western Sydney,” Convenor of the Western Sydney Rail Alliance, Christopher Brown said.
“We see a rail connection along the innovation corridor as the catalyst that will drive the smart jobs of tomorrow and when integrated with current metro and heavy rail and light rail plans, will form a complete orbital transport network that works for all of Sydney.”
“There are a lot of urgers touting their own fast train projects from Badgerys Creek to the city but we all need to recognise that this is not Sydney’s second airport, it’s our first airport, and our link to global jobs of the future. Before we get carried away with rail lines to Circular Quay, we first need to ensure the people of Penrith, Liverpool, Blacktown, Parramatta and Campbelltown can get to and from Sydney West Airport.”
Tim Williams, CEO, Committee for Sydney added:
“Public transport is vital for Western Sydney’s future. When combined with Badgerys Creek Airport, and fast rail connections between Parramatta and the CBD, it is a game-changer for the region,” he said.
“Western Sydney has lacked equitable access to public transport for too long and effective links across the region will drive productivity and boost the creation of knowledge economy precincts.
Liverpool, Mayor, Cr Ned Mannoun:
“Improving transport is a major dynamic to opening up the Great South West to more employment and investment,” Cr Mannoun said.
Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown:
“To maximise Western Sydney’s productivity and realise the region’s potential there needs to be more connection between the North West and South West Growth Centres. Rail will re-shape the region and be followed by new town centres that are thick with jobs of the future.”
Campbelltown Mayor, Cr Paul Hawker:
“Our area is growing at a rapid rate, and supporting this growth with suitable infrastructure that facilitates efficient movement of people and goods between the North West and South West Growth Centres will help to ensure that the liveability and business potential of the Macarthur region is maximised,” Cr Hawker said.
