Cabramatta rail loop proposal cause for council concern
Noise, reduced parking and poor accessibility are just some of Fairfield Council’s concerns about the Federal Govenrment’s proposal for a new rail loop at Cabramatta.
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Noise, reduced parking and poor accessibility are just some of Fairfield Council’s concerns about the Federal Govenrment’s proposal for a new rail loop at Cabramatta.
The Federal Government’s proposed 1.3km freight train crossing loop between Cabramatta and Warwick Farm would allegedly remove an existing bottleneck on the single-line passenger rail network and allow trains to pass each other in the opposite direction simultaneously.
An Australian Rail Track Corporation spokesman said the loop was necessary to manage increasing demand for freight access between Port Botany and the rest of NSW.
“After detailed analysis, Cabramatta was selected because it is at a midpoint between two existing loops on the Southern Sydney Freight Line between Leightonfield and Glenfield,” he said.
However, Fairfield Council resolved to submit its persistent concerns to infrastructure minister Michael McCormack and urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher.
Mayor Frank Carbone said he was concerned by the project’s potential impacts.
“The Cabramatta Loop Proposal will result in the loss of angle parking on Broomfield St, parallel to the existing rail line,” Mr Carbone said.
“I do not support the proposal if it results in a net loss of on street parking in the Cabramatta subdistrict.
“I would request that an offset of parking equal to or greater than the amount of spaces lost as a result of the track expansion is provided and that these spaces be located within proximity to or within the town centre.”
Mr Carbone rejected the ARTC’s suggestion of replacement parking on the other side of Broomfield St outside homes.
“I would not support angle parking in this location as it reduces accessibility to properties in Broomfield St,” Mr Carbone said.
The council is also concerned about ARTC’s proposal to demolish a sound wall on Broomfield St, which currently reduces the acoustic impact of nearby rail traffic.
“I’m also concerned about the economic impact to businesses in the Cabramatta town centre, disruption to Council’s cycle network and impact on local roads,” Mr Carbone added.
The council will forward their concerns in writing to the government ministers.