The NSW government is facing calls to commit to trackless trams or light rail on Parramatta Road, which proponents say will not require the acquisition of homes or businesses along the maligned corridor.
NSW Roads Minister John Graham was forced to intervene on Friday after the Herald revealed Transport for NSW plans showing almost 200 properties along Parramatta Road were at risk of being demolished or having land reclaimed under a proposal to add a rapid transport lane.
Parramatta Road is described as one of Sydney’s worst thoroughfares.Credit: Louise Kennerley
Graham’s move to rule out the proposal raises questions about the Minns government’s vision for the corridor, which has been subject to grand plans in the past that have failed to materialise.
Committee for Sydney chief executive Eamon Waterford said it was crucial that the government decide on light rail or trackless trams along Parramatta Road, which would support housing development and a renewed high street.
“The question is whether we want to put high capacity, fast public transport on Parramatta Road or not. Once that question has been answered, everything else starts to fall into place,” he said.
“It’s probably the worst road in Sydney when it comes to everyone’s experience. It’s so quintessentially bad that we even made a TV show [Squinters] about the experience being stuck on that road.”
Unlike conventional rail-based types, trackless trams are guided by light detection and ranging technology. They are usually electric-powered, and operated by a driver.
Waterford argued it was not necessary to acquire properties along Parramatta Road to put in better public transport. “We can do it within the existing roadway,” he said.
A justification for the WestConnex motorway was that it would remove traffic from Parramatta Road, allowing it to be turned into a liveable artery similar to those in Barcelona and Paris.
Conditions imposed on the 2016 approval of WestConnex tunnels by then-planning minister Rob Stokes included a requirement for at least one lane in each direction on Parramatta Road, from Burwood to Haberfield, to be exclusively used for public transport. The condition did not impose a deadline and has yet to be met.
Waterford said it remained a requirement of the government to deliver on the condition.
“Part of the purpose of WestConnex was to put cars underground and free up space on Parramatta Road for public transport and pedestrians,” he said.
“Quintessentially bad” is CFS chief executive Eamon Waterford’s verdict on Parramatta Road.Credit: Janie Barrett
Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou called for the government to set up a delivery authority to oversee its revitalisation, and lead negotiations with councils and developers.
“It is all over the shop. There is precedence for setting up authorities to drive leadership like that for Barangaroo and Redfern and Waterloo,” he said.
“Let’s pull our finger out and let’s get Parramatta Road redeveloped. Chris Minns has the ability to become Chris the builder.”
Nicolaou is pushing for light rail along the roadway to link Central Station and the Parramatta CBD, as well as apartment buildings up to seven storeys he says would be crucial for housing essential workers.
However, Urban Taskforce chief executive Tom Forrest was cautious about calling for an expensive public transport project, saying it might provide an excuse to delay revitalising the corridor.
“We’ve built WestConnex which has substantially reduced traffic volumes on Parramatta Road,” the former state transport executive said. “A light rail line might be nice to have, but let’s get on with fixing Parramatta Road right now.”
Transport Minister Jo Haylen was not surprised people were sceptical about any proposal to renew the precinct.
“People heard promise after promise from the former government about turning Parramatta Road into the Champs-Elysees and nothing ever happened,” she said.
Haylen said the Labor government would work to deliver on housing targets and improved transport connections along Parramatta Road, which dissects her electorate of Summer Hill.
“Any improvements to public transport services can and will be made within the existing road alignment,” she said.
Inner West Council’s Labor mayor Darcy Byrne said the need for public transport on Parramatta Road was vital to its revitalisation and increased housing density.
“Our proposal for trackless trams should be considered again. The cost is lower, the disruption is much less, and it’s something the community can get behind,” he said.
Planning Minister Paul Scully said the government’s focus on the need to rebalance housing growth across Sydney with more well-located homes close to transport and existing infrastructure was clear.