Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1: Plans for 1km-long green track

Plans have been unveiled for Australia’s longest stretch of “green track” as part of the Parramatta Light Rail project.

An artist impression of a section of green track on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1.

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The State Government has unveiled plans for Australia’s longest stretch of “green track” as part of the Parramatta Light Rail project.

There is set to be up to 1km of green track, where grass or shrubs will be planted between and beside light-rail tracks in the zones of Cumberland Hospital, Robin Thomas Reserve and Tramway Avenue.

“Green track will make the light rail easier to embed in existing local landscapes and see it beautifully integrated into the public domain,” Parramatta Light Rail program director Tim Poole said.

The sections of green track on the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 project.

“NSW deserves the very best and we’re ensuring the very latest technology, innovation and best practice is applied here in Parramatta.”

Mr Poole said countries such as France, Portugal and Spain had already embraced grass track as an aesthetic and sustainable urban-design solution.

“Not only does green track look good, it contributes to increased biodiversity, noise reduction and urban cooling — a positive result for those who live and work in the western Sydney heat,” he said.

Transport for NSW has partnered with Western Sydney University to understand how a green track will perform in the west.

Senior researcher Dr Sebastian Pfautsch said the project would show how responsible urban design could enhance both local mobility and environmental sustainability.

“Our research confirms that green track will perform important environmental functions that improve the amenity and ecology of the local area,” the urban ecosystems scientist said.

“These benefits are particularly interesting for a city like Parramatta, where summer heat and more general heat-island effects are of concern for public health and integrity of infrastructure.”

Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson welcomed the announcement, saying council had “long advocated for this green space” as part of the light rail project.

“The inclusion of this green track will help to help to ensure a seamless incorporation of the Parramatta Light Rail into the surrounding areas,” Cr Wilson said.

“It provides a more heat-effective solution than concrete and will be an aesthetically pleasing addition to the landscape.”

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford, via Parramatta CBD and Camellia. It is expected to open in 2023.