Parramatta Council slams lack of communication over light rail
A major western Sydney council has demanded a firm start date and more transparency around the $2.9bn Parramatta light rail, claiming it only receives updates from authorities via Facebook.
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A frustrated Parramatta lord mayor has called on the state government to deliver a “firm” start date for the troubled light rail project, as a fellow councillor declared flying cars were likely to grace Sydney’s second CBD before trams.
Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter has urged the state government to bring certainty for businesses and lift its game with communication after learning via the media about a safety hazard that pushed back the opening of the maligned $2.9bn line.
The 16-stop line from Westmead to Carlingford was slated to open in 2023 before being pushed back to August this year, then November.
But a safety setback dragged that back, leaving long-suffering businesses in the dark about its opening.
Cr Zaiter’s comments follow the council only discovering the latest safety problems after a Seven News report revealed a problem during testing of the 12km line.
By 2026, more than 130,000 residents will live within walking distance to one of the light rail stops and 22,000 commuters will use the line.
“It is disappointing that the myriad of benefits have not yet been realised due to the delays in opening stage 1 of Parramatta light rail,’’ Cr Zaiter said.
Council chief executive Gail Connolly confirmed authorities had not delivered an official update “in months”.
Months ago, she said the council was told the line would start operating “hopefully some time this year”.
“We get our updates on Facebook,’’ she said at a council meeting.
Safety red flags were raised on November 19 after part of the overhead wire detached and became entangled on the pantograph on a carriage at Carlingford.
The trams’ operator, Great River City Light Rail, stopped testing on November 22 to further investigate and inspect the overhead wire parts across the line, uncovering defective components in the overhead system.
A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said the defective components in the overhead wiring system had all been replaced and testing had resumed.
“Transport is committed to making sure that Parramatta light rail is safe and reliable before it opens to passengers,’’ she said.
“Transport continues to work closely with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator to obtain the necessary approvals for passenger services.
“Transport for NSW acknowledges this incident is frustrating for the people of Parramatta because we know people are excited to jump on-board Parramatta light rail as soon as possible.”
But the state government agency could not confirm a new start date.
Parramatta Council unanimously backed Cr Zaiter’s motion at the Monday night meeting.
“They now identified what the problems are and just saying it will open when it opens is not acceptable,’’ independent Kellie Darley said.
Councillor Tanya Raffoul said: “We’re more likely to get flying cars before we get Parramatta light rail.”
Councillor Patricia Prociv said replacement parts were to blame for delays because they were manufactured overseas.
The council has agreed to write to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen and Parramatta state Labor MP Donna Davis to request a timeline to confirm when stage 1 will open.
‘Grand Central Station’ stop for the win
The lord mayor also reiterated pleas for Parramatta to be included in the federal government’s plans for a bullet train to connect Newcastle to Sydney.
Ahead of the $78.8m business case for stage 1 going to Cabinet next week, Cr Zaiter repeated calls for the train to head to Australia’s own “Grand Central Station” in Parramatta, rather than going to Central.
“Such a win would fundamentally change the economic proposition for Parramatta,’’ he said.
“It would exponentially grow the number of people within easy reach of all of Parramatta has to offer, including jobs, cultural events, education, entertainment, sport and healthcare opportunities.”
Cr Zaiter pleaded for the creation of one of the “largest railway terminals in Australia and the southern hemisphere” to be built at the same site as the future metro station.
The council will also write to the federal government to legislate commercial buildings around metro stations instead of build-to-rent developments.
“The state government’s introduction of build-to-rent provisions override local commercial zones, undermining the strategic intent of those planning controls,” Cr Zaiter said.
He said the five build-to-rent proposals in Parramatta CBD commercial zones – if approved – could cost Parramatta 10,000 jobs.
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