Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance, Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee in Parramatta to confirm the approval of Stage 1 of the project from Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia.
“Parramatta Light Rail will connect major Western Sydney precincts for the first time and make it possible for people to ‘turn up and go’ to employment, cultural, entertainment and sports destinations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is an exciting time for the people of Parramatta and for visitors to this fantastic part of Sydney.
“Parramatta Light Rail will create close to 5000 jobs, connect communities along the route and transform the way that people explore all the attractions that Western Sydney has to offer, with a light rail service every 7.5 minutes in peak periods.
“Major projects such as Parramatta Light Rail are only possible thanks to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.”
Mr Constance said approval of Stage 1 means construction on the project is on track to begin by the end of 2018.
“Parramatta Light Rail is part of the NSW Government’s $8B infrastructure pipeline, which includes the largest transport infrastructure program in Australia with $43B of investment over the next four years,” Mr Constance said.
“Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will deliver frequent and reliable public transport not only for the people of Parramatta but for all those who come here to work, study, access essential services or to simply relax and take in a football game.”
Stage 1 of Parramatta Light Rail will link Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia, connecting key destinations including the Westmead Precinct, the new
Western Sydney Stadium, the new Powerhouse Museum and three Western Sydney University campuses as well as brand-new communities at Camellia and Telopea.
Mr Roberts said planning approval follows extensive consultation with the community, local businesses and major stakeholders, including Westmead Hospital, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Western Sydney University, the City of Parramatta Council, Western Sydney Business Chamber and the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is the first step of this major project with construction and operation contracts set to be awarded in the third quarter 2018.
The NSW Government has allocated $1B to Stage 1 of the project and the final cost will be known and released when contacts are signed.
A final business case for a planned Stage 2, which connects the Parramatta CBD to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park, is also due to be completed by the end of 2018.
Parramatta Light Rail will begin construction later this year and is expected to begin services in 2023.
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