Federal Labor’s promise to commit $3 billion towards the entire Western Sydney Airport north south rail link puts the South West Sydney and Macarthur region in its rightful place as a high priority, says MP Greg Warren.
“This is a great win for both families and businesses and stands in stark contrast to the hollow and unfunded rhetoric we get from both the state and federal Liberals,’’ said the member for Campbelltown.
“Their so called city deal is nothing short of an epic failure for the south west and a flawed process that has ultimately delivered next to nothing – to be blunt, it’s been more about their own political agenda and gagging local mayors than anything else,’’ Mr Warren said.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten announced the rail commitment yesterday at the NSW Labor conference, which would mean a rail line between Macarthur station and St Marys.
“Federal Labor’s $3b north south rail announcement is not only welcomed, but an essential initiative to ensure the economic and operational success of the new airport while creating an engine for much needed jobs in the region,’’ Mr Warren said.
“It also complements the $400 million announced for the extension of the south west rail link rail through to Western Sydney Airport, another essential piece of infrastructure.
“Almost every corner you turn on every road or major arterial in the outer south west is gridlocked with congestion as an outcome of a serious shortfall of investment from the state and federal governments.’’
Western Sydney University has also commended Labor’s commitment.
Vice-chancellor and president of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover, applauded Labor’s pre-election promise to prioritise connections to jobs and industry in Sydney’s fastest growth region.
He also noted the importance of the additional $3 billion investment to build a Badgerys Creek airport train line from Macarthur to St Marys.
“The opposition’s pledge shows they understand the urgency for world class transport for Sydney’s all-important western region,’’ he said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It is critical for transport links to be activated early, especially if public investment in major infrastructure projects, such as the Western Sydney Airport, are to succeed,” Mr Glover said.[/social_quote]
He was backed by the assistant vice-chancellor of Western Sydney University, Dr Andy Marks, who said Labor’s Badgerys Creek rail line announcement was of particular importance to the region.
“We don’t need any more studies to tell us the Badgerys-to-Macarthur leg of the south-west rail link is needed,’’ he said.
