Image: Transport for NSW
As light rail is the mode of public transport that’s quickly becoming the flavour of the month, the New South Wales government has gathered some of the world’s top experts to help plan Parramatta’s ambitious tram project.
Still on the drawing boards, the government is looking for every possible opportunity to stage events and junkets to promote the new light rail project to the private sector, which will be well on its way to competing for tenders in order to deliver the infrastructure and the rolling stock to eventually make it a reality.
In the lead up to the delivery of the state’s third light rail network, the government invited 500 experts to gather in Western Sydney to be briefed on the Parramatta Light Rail project.
The industry briefing has brought together a range of prospective companies and planners to share details of how they can contribute to this major project, which has been planned to connect Sydney’s so-called “second CBD” to Westmead, Olympic Park, Carlingford, Camellia and Strathfield.
All of this will amount to 20 kilometres of light rail corridor, which will be a big challenge for the government to quarantine, especially as these areas are already densely urbanised with existing property and infrastructure.
It is the first major industry event to quickly follow the recent Light Rail 2016 conference from Informa that took place in February, which offered crucial updates on light rail projects not only in Australia, but across the world including Jerusalem in Israel, and Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the event will share further details of how planners and industry can contribute to this transformational project.
“We’re pressing go on Parramatta Light Rail, on the site where two light rail lines will meet to create a new tram network for the west,” Mr Constance said.
He said this project will provide frequent and reliable links to the great precincts of Sydney like Westmead Hospital, The University of Western Sydney, Parramatta CBD, the Olympic sporting hub and Strathfield while also sparking rejuvenation of Camellia.
One of the big questions on people’s lips is how to persuade local business owners that light rail development is actually good for business. Well Mr Constance believes that the brass ring isn’t far away for these outlets.
“The project will be a chance for Western Sydney businesses to get on board and benefit, all while creating hundreds of jobs,” Mr Constance said.
According to the state government, consultation on the exact route will take place later this year which will involve public input, with a view to construction beginning in late 2018 or early 2019.
“I want Parramatta Light Rail to be a project all about people, whether it’s Eels and Wanderers fans who could use it to go to the game, punters at Rosehill, event crowds at Olympic Park or students at Western Sydney Uni,” Mr Constance said.
He said as Sydney continues to grow, Parramatta is further establishing itself not just as the city’s ‘second CBD’ but as a significant city in its own right.
“I’m excited to get started today on showcasing the opportunities on offer to industry-leading planning and construction organisations, and we’ll soon step up discussions with other expected beneficiaries of Parramatta Light Rail,” Mr Constance said.
“Later this year, with a specific route under consultation, we will extend engagement to the broader community for public input.”
