Parramatta Light Rail: Western Sydney Business calls for stage two funding

Pressure is mounting on the Transport Minister to get cracking on a transport project ‘sitting on his desk for more than 18 months’ by allocating funding for it.

After Parramatta Light Rail stage two was snubbed in October’s Budget, business leaders have renewed calls for the state government to finally deliver the vital $3 billion project and fill an infrastructure void.

The first $2.4 billion stage of the 12km track between Westmead and Carlingford is due to be completed in 2023 but in November, Transport Minister Andrew Constance indicated the second instalment would be scrapped when he said other modes of transport options were being explored so “why the hell would I rip everything up?”

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said the Budget was an opportunity for the government to show it was serious about delivering an election promise and serve greater Parramatta, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance, Seven Hills MP Mark Taylor and Parramatta MP Geoff Lee, at Westmead in November when Mr Constance cast more doubt on extending stage two of the light rail.

David Borger says just one stage of the light rail is not good enough. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“Parramatta Light Rail stage two has been sitting on the minister's desk for more than 18 months awaiting an ‘investment decision’ and it missed out on funding in last year’s state Budget,’’ he said.

“This has set alarm bells ringing that the NSW Government is intending to cancel the project.

“Half a light rail is not good enough. We need to be expanding Parramatta’s light rail network to other key centres and communities if we are going to get the value we’ve invested in stage one that is currently under construction.’’

Sydney Olympic Park Business Association echoed calls for the project to operate before 2030, when the Metro West fast rail is due to open.

Allison Taylor at Sydney Olympic Park, where the light rail is vital. Picture: Monique Harmer

“The Olympic Peninsula risks bursting at the seams if the NSW Government doesn’t deliver the transport infrastructure that it has promised,’’ she said.

“Sydney Metro West will be great but the light rail is vital for the thousands of residents in Carter Street, Wentworth Point and Melrose Park so they can get to the new metro line.’’

The pleas come after the government axed the $140 million M4 Hill Rd westbound exit in December, forcing residents around Olympic Park to tackle “Australia’s worst roundabout” at Australia Ave and Underwood Rd.

Another community demanding better transport is Melrose Park where they $6 billion, 6000-apartment development has underlined the need for infrastructure.

A bridge worth about $500 million linking Melrose Park and Wentworth Point is planned but that does not guarantee it will be used for light rail.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said the final business case for stage two of the Parramatta Light Rail was currently being considered by the NSW Government, with an investment decision to follow.

A spokeswoman for the transport Minister said the business case was still under consideration.

“Our focus currently is on the building of stage one,’’ she said.

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