Use WestConnex cash to fix Western Sydney’s infrastructure gaps

Any revenue made from the sale of WestConnex should be reinvested in public transport for Western Sydney says the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

The councils organisation argues that the current public transport situation in Western Sydney is dire and WestConnex is an opportunity to tackle some of the region’s key infrastructure gaps.

It is calling on the NSW Government to work with councils to find ways to deal with such infrastructure gaps through the sale of WestConnex.

Some WSROC suggestions include:

• Two north south rail links connecting the North West and South West Priority Growth Areas – forming a rail grid with the Metro North West, Western Rail Line and Leppington Line;

• Duplication of the Western Rail Line west of Parramatta and improved express services from the Blue Mountains, Penrith and Richmond.

• Significant increases in commuter car parking at transport interchanges and train stations across Western Sydney.

• Significant expansion of the region’s public bus network with a focus on connecting residential areas with town centres and Western Sydney’s employment hubs.

• Increased frequency of services on the Bankstown Line (to Liverpool) and the Cumberland Line (to Campbelltown).

• Rail links connecting the Western Sydney Airport precinct to key regional centres.

• Increased accessibility at Western Sydney public transport stops including lifts and ramps at train stations.

“The Government tells us that Western Sydney residents will be paying for WestConnex. It only makes sense that they should benefit from the proceeds if it is sold,’’ says WSROC president Stephen Bali.

“WSROC wants to see this money invested in a public transport network that will allow the soon-to-be 3 million Western Sydney residents get around our city without needing to pay expensive road use charges.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Around 80 per cent of Western Sydney residents do not live within walking distance of a train station, yet in many places commuter parking is full by 7am,” he said.[/social_quote]

“Western Sydney’s bus network is limited and infrequent in all but the most heavily populated corridors, making it an impractical alternative to driving in many cases.

“The majority of Western Sydney’s major employment hubs and industrial centres are not serviced by public transport, forcing locally employed residents to drive – often significant distances.’’