The New South Wales Government has provided AUD 50 million (USD 37.7 million) for planning and development works of the Parramatta LRT stage 2 in the upcoming 2021 – 2022 budget.
The funding will be used for initial investigations, as well as on the development progress of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement.
“This continues our record investment in public transport infrastructure, which is continuing to support thousands of jobs in our economy while also making Sydney and NSW a better place to live. This money will go towards planning, utilities, and geotechnical investigations. It will also progress the development of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement,” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said when announced the financial commitment.
Parramatta LRT stage 2 will be connected to Sydney Metro West, rail commuter network in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, and ferry services at Rydalmere. The government previously announced a preferred route for this line that would connect the stage 1 and Parramatta CBD to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.
The two stages of the Parramatta light rail will provide links with Sydney Metro West at Parramatta, Westmead and Sydney Olympic Park and the existing rail network at Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park as well as ferries at Parramatta, Rydalmere and Wentworth Point.
“City of Parramatta Council has long advocated for a light rail network that includes Sydney Olympic Park with a direct interchange to Sydney Metro West, ferries and the existing heavy rail network. Sydney’s Central River City is booming and a strong public transport connection from the Parramatta CBD to growing residential suburbs and employment hubs will support our transformation,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said.
Major construction of the AUD 2.4 billion (USD 1.8 billion) Parramatta light Rail stage 1 is underway, and by the end of this month, 50 per cent of the tracks will be laid. The first phase will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia and is expected to commence operations in 2023.
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