The NSW Government will proceed with Parramatta Light Rail Stage Two, committing $602.4 million to start works and commence a detailed planning process to move ahead with the Western Sydney megaproject.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government’s infrastructure pipeline was unmatched in Australian history and the city-building work would continue.
“We’ve overseen a great decade of delivery and that will continue with another transformative Western Sydney Project linking Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This vital piece of infrastructure will support the growth of Western Sydney while linking to another enormous project in Sydney Metro West, improving quality of life by slashing daily commute times.
“Our strong economic management allows us to continue to invest in the future of our communities to build the projects that make a real difference.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the state would continue delivering world class infrastructure for the people of NSW.
“Since 2011, we’ve invested more than $178 billion in critical projects that have improved the lives of millions,” Mr Kean said.
“This is another significant investment in Western Sydney that will support the growing Central River City.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the funding would go towards early works and building the Wentworth Point Bridge, while detailed planning work for the next stage gets underway.
“Construction on the project will begin with a bridge connecting Wentworth Point to Melrose Park and other early works to deliver Parramatta Light Rail Stage Two,” Mr Stokes said.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the NSW Government’s Parramatta Light Rail Project has been a catalyst for investment and development in Greater Parramatta to the Olympic Peninsula.
“This is a great victory for the people of Western Sydney and a solid indication to the construction industry that the NSW Government is committed to the long-term infrastructure needs of the State,” Mr Elliott said.
“We’ve only just seen 100 per cent of tracks laid across the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 project as well as construction of the light rail stops along Church Street. Stage two will drive revenue for small businesses in the area and change how the community travel and connect to places across Greater Parramatta in the future.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the investment would support the growing population along the Parramatta River.
“This will connect people from the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via the growing Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point,” Mr Lee said.
“It means residents won’t be condemned to a car-dependent future and businesses will be supported by a world-class mass transit system.”
An Environmental Impact Statement for the project will be released for public comment by the end of the year.
