Parramatta’s NSW Budget wish list prioritises transport
Accelerating the Metro West train project, committing to stage two of the light rail, a civic plaza and a transport bridge — these are some of the projects on the ‘global city’s’ NSW Budget wish list.
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Accelerating the Metro West train project, committing to stage two of the light rail, a civic plaza and a transport bridge liking two burgeoning riverside communities — these are some of the projects on Parramatta’s civic and business leaders’ NSW Budget wish list.
Ahead of the November 17 Budget, Western Sydney Business Chamber and Parramatta Council have called on the government to prioritise the transport projects, including the delivery of a bridge crossing the Parramatta River from Melrose Park to Wentworth Point.
The span would link the rapidly expanding high-density suburbs and is necessary for Parramatta Light Rail’s second stage to go ahead.
Construction on the first stage from Westmead to Carlingford is on track but the government has stalled on plans to carry out the second stage from Parramatta to Olympic Park,
As well as the transport projects, the wish list includes expansion of Parramatta’s justice precinct, continued commitment to the Powerhouse Museum and a civic link for pedestrians between the Parramatta CBD and the river.
The council has requested the government to match its funding commitment to support Eat St businesses during light rail construction.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said it was critical Parramatta and western Sydney was at the centre of the Budget.
“Parramatta is the centre of global Sydney and one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, which puts us in prime position to lead the state’s economic recovery,’’ he said.
“With Parramatta’s population and workforce booming, we need the NSW Government to ramp up its investment in critical infrastructure and construction projects.’’
Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger underlined the importance of delivering stage two of the light rail so it could create 500 construction jobs during the COVID-19 recovery phase.
He also pointed out the politics behind the project and said the proposed redistribution of NSW electorates for the next State Election would put stage two entirely in a more politically marginal seat of Parramatta.
“Parramatta Light Rail stage two will likely be the defining issue of the next NSW election in an electorate that could very well decide which side of politics will govern the state,” Mr Borger said.
“The NSW Government has developed a strong narrative that it delivers what it promises when it comes to public transport. It would be a shame to throw that away now by breaking this promise to western Sydney.’’
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