Despite casting significant doubt last year, Transport Minister Andrew Constance has confirmed Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail will go ahead, as planned.
$50 million has been allocated as part of the 2021-22 State Budget for Stage 2 of the project, which will see the connection of the Parramatta CBD with Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.
The announcement comes as a huge sigh of relief for the residents and businesses that occupy the connecting regions, who have fought hard to ensure the promised project came to fruition.
Mr Constance created serious doubt late last year when he said he would be a “mug” if he didn’t explore other options including bus and trackless tram services.
“Ultimately in the future if we had the option with either bus rapid transit or trackless tram technology, I think that’s what we’re going to do,” he said last year.
“If I can provide trackless trams, why the hell would we go and rip everything up if we can avoid it.”
But he sang a different tune at a press conference this morning and ensured the critical transport link would go ahead after all.
“This government has never cancelled a project in its life,” he said.
“We will work through over the next 18 months the necessary Environmental Impact Statement and planning approvals to get it shovel ready.”
Parramatta MP Geoff Lee said it was exciting to see the planning funding committed for the next stage of the project.
“Parramatta Light Rail is a transformational project for the whole of Parramatta and surrounds,” he said.
Executive Director of Business Western Sydney, David Borger said he was pleased to hear of the outcome, which he said would be a defining moment for the 2023 State Election.
“The community really relies on this, Wentworth Point is one of the highest density precincts in Australia,” he said.
“It’s a pity there was a delay but it’s great to see that the government will press on and build this.”
Major construction of the $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is underway, connecting Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia and is expected to commence operations in 2023.
Mr Constance said the hoardings on Eat Street will start to come down in late July with 80 per cent of the work completed.
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.