Liverpool scores “major win” in Western Sydney City Deal
LIVERPOOL’S future has been mapped out under a new City Deal that will see a rail link to the Western Sydney Airport built by 2026 and an education precinct at North Bringelly.
Liverpool
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LIVERPOOL’S future has been mapped out under a new City Deal that will see a rail link to the Western Sydney Airport built by 2026 and an education precinct at North Bringelly.
Mayors from western Sydney councils joined Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Sunday to sign the Western Sydney City Deal, which includes a commitment to a $7 billion north-south rail link from St Marys to Bringelly via the new airport at Badgerys Creek.
Both the federal and state governments have committed $50 million to investigate station locations, with the new rail link expected to be completed by the airport’s opening in 2026.
Liverpool Council had previously lobbied for a rail link to connect residents with the airport as part of plans to create a 30-minute city.
Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said it was a “major win for Liverpool”.
The City Deal also includes commitments to a new education precinct at North Bringelly — where the aerotropolis would be located — which is set to be anchored by a specialist science and maths high school, a new university and a skills training hub.
An industry attraction office would be opened in the Liverpool CBD to attract jobs and industry to the aerotropolis while an indigenous opportunity hub would support Aboriginal employment and businesses.
Up to $150 million would also be set aside for major community projects.
“On their own, every one of these announcements would be a major win for Liverpool. Coming together on one day they have the potential to change the future of the city,” Cr Waller said.
The commitment to a north-south rail link means the council now has the opportunity to begin planning for a rapid transit corridor along Hoxton Park Rd and Fifteenth Ave that will link to Badgerys Creek, Cr Waller said.
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue has also welcomed the city deal, saying the rail connection would generate job opportunities.
“This is more than just a rail line, it’s a steel spine for the region,” WSLD chairman Christopher Brown said.
“Our studies showed that the connection, linking our key growth and employment areas, could catalyse 40,000 local jobs. It will also provide improved access for cities that currently lack public transport options.”
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