New funding to jump start development of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2

Through the 2021-22 State Budget, the New South Wales Government is investing $50 million to jump start the planning and development of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project, which will provide better connections between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney Olympic Peninsula. 

Not only will Stage 2 deliver much-needed transport infrastructure, but it will also support thousands of jobs and help make Sydney and the State a better place to live in. 

“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,” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said. 

The significant funding is going to be spent to deliver planning, utilities and geotechnical investigations and to fast track the development of the Environmental Impact Statement for Stage 2. 

In addition, this investment will ensure that the project is ‘shovel ready’. 

“This area is growing at an exponential rate and requires infrastructure that is smart, futureproof and will offer the community a variety of transport choices. 

“It is important we get the next steps right so this project complements city-shaping projects like Sydney Metro West,” Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said. 

Parramatta Light Rail map (source: NSW Government - Parramatta Light Rail)

The preferred route for Stage 2 was announced in October 2017. The proposed alignment will connect Stage 1 and Parramatta CBD to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park. 

Stage 2 will have 10 to 12 stops spread out over a 10-kilometre two-way track and will have a travel time of about 25 minutes from Sydney Olympic Park to Camellia and another eight minutes to Parramatta CBD. 

Once operational, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect to Sydney Metro West as well as to heavy rail in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, and to ferry services at Rydalmere and Sydney Olympic Park. 

“Locals have seen the great progress on Stage 1, with 50 per cent of tracks expected to be laid by the end of the month. Now, they can see the NSW Government is getting on with the job by laying the groundwork for the next stage of this project,” Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said. 

The $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 project is already under construction, with works due to be completed and the first stage to be operational in 2023. 

Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the CBD and Camellia. The 12-kilometre section will have 16 stops, providing connections from Parramatta CBD to the Westmead Health Precinct, Bankwest Stadium as well as Powerhouse Parramatta – a new science, technology and innovation museum. 

The first stage will also provide links to the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse and to three Western Sydney University campuses at Westmead, Parramatta and Rydalmere. Stage 1 will also travel through the Cumberland Hospital Precinct, the Camellia Town Centre and Telopea’s private and social housing redevelopment. 

Source: NSW Government – Parramatta Light Rail (1, 2, 3); ANZ Infrastructure Pipeline