Parramatta City Council has unveiled its first report into a proposed $1.7 billion light rail network to service the growing Western Sydney population.
Parramatta Lord Mayor John Chedid said the report concluded that a light rail network in Western Sydney would be feasible and have numerous benefits for areas with poor access to public transport, such as the corridors from Parramatta to Castle Hill and Macquarie Park.
“What’s been recommended is a 24-kilometre light rail network with up to 25 stations along its route.
“The first stage would link Parramatta to Macquarie Park via Eastwood with another line connecting Parramatta to Castle Hill. From here, the network would grow and evolve to meet the future economic and social needs of the region.
“We estimate that the first stage of the Network would cost about $1.7 billion to construct. The Castle Hill line will cost about $800 million and the Macquarie Park line about $900 million.”
The feasibility study investigated the impact a light network in Western Sydney would have on the economy, environment and social disadvantage.
“Not surprisingly, the report found that better transport links would improve social cohesion, particularly for people who have little choice but to use existing poor public transport options to access jobs and education.
“Taking people off roads and onto our light rail will also have flow on benefits for Sydney’s crippling traffic congestion, the environment and people’s health and work/life balance.”
Councillor Chedid said that for the project to progress towards construction, $20 million in funding and support must be secured for detailed planning work.
“We’re looking to the State and Federal Governments to help the Western Sydney region with taking forward this feasible transport solution.”
Sydney Business Chamber’s Western Sydney Director David Borger said the Council’s light rail plan was a common sense solution for creating stronger public transport links within Western Sydney.
“We can’t just talk about making Parramatta Sydney’s second CBD – we need action. Linking Parramatta with Westmead, the University of Western Sydney and North Ryde, along with other important centres in Western Sydney, is the right approach to supporting new and better jobs in the region and reducing congestion on our existing transport network.”
