The Sydney Business Chamber says as the city’s population continues to grow at a rapid rate it needs to be prioritised for more Federal and State infrastructure funding just to keep pace with this growth.
“If Sydney is to maintain its place as a competitive, global city and the engine room of the NSW and national economies, both levels of Government need to act on the urgent need to fund and begin building projects including the Metro West and South West rail extension, Western Harbour Tunnel & Beaches Link and improved Port Botany and freight transport,” said Katherine O’Regan, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.
“Today’s Infrastructure Australia report detailing key recommendations for funding, neglected to raise the level of priority for major transport projects that are languishing on the to-do list with no definite start dates due to funding considerations.”
“Recent reports of a $4 billion dollar overrun on the Chatswood to Sydenham rail, coming on the back of the almost $3 billion blowout on the CBD light rail, are clear examples of why funding future projects to meet the city’s needs, must be addressed by both tiers of Government.”
“While IA’s funding recommendations for regional NSW, a water strategy and coastal inundation improvements are welcomed as the country addresses the impacts of climate change, Greater Sydney is struggling to keep pace with population growth that is seeing our current road and rail transport regularly overcrowded well beyond capacity.”
“As Sydney begins rebuilding its international tourism reputation following the smoke haze impacts, we can’t afford to allow the city’s struggling transport system to leave a negative visitor experience here.”
“Likewise for locals, it’s encouraging to see building heights being raised to allow higher densification of office space in the CBD, but more workers in the city means more pressure on existing overcrowded rail and bus transport links. These need to be addressed with a much higher priority in infrastructure funding allocations.”
