The Parramatta Light Rail has reached a major milestone as the first tracks were laid on the $2.4 billion project.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance met with State Parramatta MP Geoff Lee this morning where the trackwork had been started at Hawkesbury Road, Westmead.
Mr Constance said this milestone showed significant progress had been made on the project.
“The Parramatta Light Rail is essential for future-proofing this growing precinct, one of the largest medical, education and research hubs in the southern hemisphere,” he said.
The track installed at Westmead consists of 18-metre lengths of grooved rail weighing almost one tonne each, set in a concrete slab that covers drainage and utility services.
More than $650 million will be included in the 2020-21 NSW Budget to deliver the project.
Mr Lee said the 48-metre track installation follows months of preparation including the relocation of underground utilities and the widening of Hawkesbury Road, in association with the Westmead Redevelopment.
“We thank the community for its patience during the recent road closures and night works, both of which have helped to minimise disruption in this busy medical and residential precinct,” he said.
Track will continue to be installed in sections across the alignment as areas become available.
As this milestone for stage one is reached, the Western Sydney Business Chamber is renewing their calls for the government to commit to Stage 2 of the project.
The route for Stage 2 was first announced three years ago and would see the connection of the Parramatta CBD with Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.
A NSW Government spokesperson recently confirmed to Parra News that these plans were still “under consideration”, however at the press conference today Mr Constance gave a strong indication that it would not proceed at all.
Executive Director of the Western Sydney Business Chamber, David Borger, said the State Government’s own analysis shows that by 2026 there will be 5,200 less jobs and 6,000 fewer dwellings along the route without Stage 2.
Mr Borger said that the proposed redistribution of NSW electorates for the next State Election would put Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 in a more politically marginal seat of Parramatta.
“Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will likely be the defining issue of the next NSW Election in an electorate that could very well decide which side of politics will govern the state,” he said.
“The NSW Government has developed a strong narrative that it delivers what it promises when it comes to public transport.
“It would be a shame to throw that away now by breaking this promise to western Sydney.”
Parramatta Mayor, Bob Dwyer said Council stands with other key groups in advocating for Stage 2.
“The City Parramatta has contributed significantly to the NSW Government’s goal to increase housing supply by providing the largest number of housing approvals in the state,” he said.
“But we need the Premier’s continued commitment to provide the infrastructure to support this growth.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.