Locals and stakeholders are invited to have their say on the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 preferred route and 15 stop locations from Camellia to Sydney Olympic Park, as the Business Case for the project nears completion.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the early engagement was part of the project’s ongoing planning work which feeds into the design, Environmental Impact Statement and Final Business Case.
“We want to ensure Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail meets the transport needs of the rapidly growing and diverse residential, business and entertainment hub in Western Sydney,” Mr Elliott said.
Minister for Corrections and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said this was a key opportunity for the community to have their say.
“This process ensures community feedback is considered before the formal Environmental Impact Statement process occurs. Site investigation work, including the mapping of utilities such as water mains, electricity and gas, and geotechnical investigations begins Monday and will form part of the Final Business Case,” Mr Lee said.
The new map confirms the preferred Stage 2 route will travel south of the Parramatta River through Camellia, which will support up to 10,000 new homes and 14,500 jobs in the proposed Camellia-Rosehill Precinct, before crossing the river to Rydalmere.
Federal Candidate for Parramatta Maria Kovacic said this project will give the people of Western Sydney a voice to ensure the right connection was in place to support future residential and commercial growth opportunities, major attractions, and precincts.
“I encourage my local community to have their say as the final design will be based on feedback to ensure this fantastic project supports the growth of the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula,” Ms Kovacic said.
Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail project will connect to the future Metro West and heavy rail in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, and ferry services at Rydalmere and Wentworth Point.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis welcomed plans to seek the community’s input on the preferred route and stops for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2.
“It’s important that the community get their say on where the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail should be built, so this is a step in the right direction,” Cr Davis said.
“With so many people relying on public transport to get to or from work, school or study, I encourage everyone to share their feedback and have their voices heard on this vital piece of infrastructure.
“City of Parramatta Council has long advocated for a light rail network that includes the communities in Sydney Olympic Park, Wentworth Point and Melrose Park, which are in desperate need of better transport connections.”
Cr Davis said Council estimates up to 29,000 new homes will be built along the proposed Stage 2 route over the next 15 years, including at Camellia – a key riverside precinct on the doorstep of the Parramatta CBD.
The consultation period is open from Monday 2 May to Sunday 26 June 2022. Visit the Stage 2 Parramatta Light Rail Virtual Engagement Room to access the ‘Have your say’ survey.
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.