North South link: Council accuses government of ‘delay tactics’

Penrith councillors are worried a planned north south rail link may not be completed by its expected opening date.

Penrith Council is unhappy with the delay on receiving a list of planned station locations for the planned north south rail link.

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Penrith Council has accused Transport NSW of “delay tactics” following a community survey on the new Western Sydney Metro line.

Two years after the federal and state governments made a non-negotiable commitment as part of the Western Sydney City Deal to have the new line operational by 2026, details about the projects are still ambiguous and unclear.

Councillor Greg Davies said he was “disappointed” Transport NSW hadn’t consulted with the council before the survey was issued.

North-South metro rail extension (green arrow) showing proposed corridor from St Marys to the Aerotropolis via Western Sydney Airport (in the south).

“We have an officer of this council who has been working on the Aerotropolis, so we know what’s going on,” he said.

“I thought that was working fairly well, so I’m really disappointed Transport NSW has sent out a consultation document to 18,000 residents with no consultation with council.

“So much for working together. If I was cynical I’d say this was a delaying tactic.”

Cr Davies said Transport NSW had delayed a planned list of station locations by more almost nine months.

“We were told the stations would be available in June last year,” he said.

Councillor Greg Davies described a Transport NSW community survey on the north south rail link as a “delay tactic”.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said the council needed to know station locations so they could plan infrastructure.

“That was delayed by six months, then delayed again to March this year.

“I’m now hearing that we’ll possibly know in July, but that it could be the end of the year.”

Transport NSW would not answer questions relating to Cr Davies’ comments.

Cr John Thain said the list of station locations was a “matter of urgency”.

“The dates keep getting pushed back, and my deep concern is unless something happens rapidly, the date of the rail line and the airport opening won’t match,” he said.

“Where those train stations will be located is critical to the infrastructure and development that goes with it.”

Councillor John Thain expressed concern that the rail link would not be completed in time for the Western Sydney Airport’s 2026 opening.

Mayor Ross Fowler also called for the quick release of locations.

“Without this timely information, it is impossible for the council to adequately plan for the future of our city,” he said.

“The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has projected Penrith’s population will increased to 369,250 in 2041.

“The council and our residents can accept housing and population growth, but only if it is met with connected infrastructure.”

A Sydney Metro spokesperson said it was committed to working with the council.

“Sydney Metro values the collaboration with Penrith Council and has been working with the council since 2018 to plan the railway,” she said.