First light rail strategic plan round table a success

Key organisations with a stake in the expansion of Sydney’s light rail network took part in the first Light Rail Strategic Plan round table meeting at Parliament House on Friday, Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said today. “The first light rail round table was very positive, and all parties are determined to press ahead with planning for the expansion of Sydney’s light rail network,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The NSW Government is investigating the feasibility of extending light rail through the CBD, to the University of NSW and to Sydney University.

“This is in addition to the NSW Government’s commitment to extend light rail services to the Inner West from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill.

“The Light Rail Strategic Plan will, for the first time, consider light rail extensions as part of a wider integrated light rail network.

“The round table brings representatives from councils, universities, TAFE, hospitalsand major sporting and entertainment facilities as well as key local employers to provide early and regular input to the light rail team, and the Light Rail Strategic Plan.

“The round table enables us to tap into local expertise and viewpoints as soon as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.

A program of working group meetings, where round table participants workshop ideas and issues, will also be scheduled over coming months to support the work of the round table.

It’s hoped the round table will meet a further two times this year; in early November and December. Milestones for the round table will include assessing the strategic needs of the new system, identifying all the benefits and challenges and defining the options for extending the light rail network.

“Light rail will only succeed in Sydney if it is integrated - part of the broader public transport network,” Ms Berejiklian said.“In the State Budget the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government delivered $103 million for light rail this financial year.

“We are committed to light rail, but we are determined to not rush into delivering projects without sound analysis. “I am committed to making sure we do our homework and get the right solution, and I look forward to the round tables input so we can get on with the job,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The round table includes representatives from the following organisations:

• Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust
• Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust
• Australian Turf Club
• NIDA
• Sydney Business Chamber
• TAFE NSW
• University of New South Wales
• Sydney University
• University of Technology Sydney
• Northern Hospital Network of the South East Sydney Local Health District
• Sydney Local Health District
• City of Sydney
• Randwick City Council
• Department of Transport
• Infrastructure NSW
• NSW Treasury
• Department of Health
• Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

First light rail strategic plan round table a success (pdf 26KB)