Parramatta City Council has welcomed the State Government’s commitment to develop light rail routes to Carlingford and Strathfield as the first stages of a wider Western Sydney network.

Premier Mike Baird confirmed today that a Light Rail line will be built from Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and North Parramatta. The line will connect Sydney’s largest health precinct and the $2 billion Parramatta Square urban renewal project, which includes a new Western Sydney University campus.

A line will also be built from Parramatta to Strathfield via Sydney Olympic Park, which Council had identified as a future growth corridor for the network. 

Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Paul Garrard said building the two routes as the first stage made financial sense and would provide the best chance of success for an expanded network.

“These routes will be the first step in a wider Western Sydney Light Rail Network that will completely revolutionise public transport and transform not only Parramatta, but western and north-western Sydney,” Cr Garrard said.

“I am pleased that Premier Baird has left open the prospect of extending the network to other growth centres which could potentially include Epping, which was part of Council’s preferred route option.

“Residents, workers, students and visitors will all benefit from an integrated Light Rail Network that connects economic, education, health, residential and sporting hubs, allowing faster and more efficient travel.

“We are delighted that Council’s long-standing vision for this project is becoming a reality.

Parramatta is central to both of the identified routes and having light rail centred in the heart of our CBD will transform the city for locals, visitors and workers. It will go a long way in helping Parramatta to secure its future as Sydney’s dual CBD.”

“I also welcome the Premier’s commitment to relocate more than 1800 Department of Education employees to Parramatta. It further demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to Western Sydney and their firm belief in the future of this region.”