Firm commitment to transport plan crucial, councils say
NSW councils have welcomed the State Government's Metropolitan Transport Plan for Sydney and say the next step is for the government to make a firm financial commitment and get projects underway.
"We're pleased the government has listened to our concerns and have come up with a well-developed and sensible transport plan that considers the needs of residents all over Sydney," says President of the Local Government Association Cr Genia McCaffery.
"Abolishing the CBD Metro and extending the light rail network from Dulwich Hill into the city was a logical and relatively inexpensive answer to the congestion issues in the Sydney CBD and inner suburbs.
"This decision will free up resources that will best be used on extending the heavy rail network.
"While we're relieved the North West and South West Sydney rail lines will be extended, we're concerned with some of the proposed time frames.
"It's unfair to make Western Sydney residents wait until 2015 for the new Western Sydney express line and 2017 for construction of the North West line.
"With the CBD metro project now cancelled, the focus should be on extending these heavy rail lines immediately, rather than forcing taxpayers to wait another five years for any sign of new construction - let alone a much longer wait for the projects to actually finish.
"It's disappointing the government has failed to recommence the Parramatta to Epping link - a critical connecting route between the job and growth areas of western and northern Sydney.
"Failure to act on this critical public transport project will mean more cars on the road, more congestion and more damage to local business and community life.
"We support the creation of the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority to drive future transport development and urban renewal issues, provided it doesn't favour big developers and neglect transport issues across the whole of Sydney.
"As recommended in the Christie Report, we'd still like to see a single overarching body to overcome the confusing range of government departments, agencies and planning authorities that currently oversee transport planning and development.
"The government needs to make a firm financial commitment to the Metropolitan Transport Plan and get the ball rolling on projects to ensure residents all over Sydney have access to an equitable and reliable transport network."
Media Enquiries
Fay Daoud LGSA Media contact: 0437 477 567
Cr Genia McCaffery President, Local Government Association: 0419 404 867
