WSLD Chairman, Christopher Brown AM, who helped establish the Western Sydney Rail Alliance to build a business case, and advocate, for the north-south connection, said the decision, included as part of the Western Sydney City Deal, was a “massive win” for the region.
“The campaign, which the Dialogue drove in partnership with councils and local landowners, has been more than two years in the making, and today’s outcome shows what can be achieved through collaboration and determination,” he said.
“We are delighted that governments accepted our argument that Western Sydney must be connected to Western Sydney Airport as a priority,” Mr Brown said.
“This is more than just a rail line, it’s a steel spine for the region. Our studies showed that the connection, linking our key growth and employment areas, could catalyse 40,000 local jobs. It will also provide improved access for cities that currently lack public transport options.
“Badgerys Creek Airport represents a new era for the region and it is vital that our booming cities in the south-west and north-west are connected to it, from the outset. This is, after all, not Sydney’s second airport, but Western Sydney’s first airport.”
Mr Brown said that the north-south link, along with the West Metro, which connects Sydney to Parramatta, were the two most important transport projects for Western Sydney when it came to employment generation, improved liveability, housing affordability and reduced congestion.
“With the north-south corridor secured, and the West Metro prioritised by the NSW Government, we need a firm timeline on delivery, and certainty on how they will be funded,” Mr Brown added.
“Value-capture, where landowners who benefit from the project, help subsidise its cost, is the future of infrastructure funding. Western Sydney is prepared to ‘pay to play’ but unless the private sector is at the table to design the scheme it will never work – leaving taxpayers exposed.
“To ensure the Greater West does enjoy the turbo-charging this project could provide we need the Greater Sydney Commission designated as Coordinator General to make the Aerotropolis a reality by 2026.
"Further, we need the future extension of the rail line north to Marsden Park and south to Campbelltown to be identified and protected as a priority action.
“We are very grateful to the Prime Minister and Premier, and their respective teams, who forged this deal. We also pay tribute to the contribution of the local Councils that came together to represent Western Sydney."
