The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has welcomed the announcement of the route for the first stage of the Western Sydney light rail network but is urging the NSW Government to move quickly in finalising its commitment to extending the light rail through to the Olympic Park precinct.

“Western Sydney has long cried out for better intra-regional public transport and the first stage of the light rail network that will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta is a step in the right direction,” said Margy Osmond, TTF CEO.

“The light rail project has the potential to be a game-changer for Parramatta and will help cement its place as Western Sydney’s CBD.

“The project will support greater employment, residential and tourism outcomes for the entire region.

“Providing a direct public transport link between Parramatta CBD and Westmead will fast-track the growth of a future health and education super-precinct and improve livability across the region.

“The light rail will also provide much needed connections between WSU campuses, Rosehill Racecourse and the new Western Sydney stadium which are important assets for Western Sydney’s visitor economy.

Ms Osmond said it is important that the NSW Government now turns its focus to stage 2 of the project – linking Camellia to Strathfield via Sydney Olympic Park. This link has long been talked about and is urgently needed.

“Industry urges the NSW Government to work quickly to develop an ironclad timeline and plan for the roll out of Stage 2.

“This crucial link is required to ensure that Sydney Olympic Park reaches its full potential as a world-class entertainment and employment hot-spot. The existing public transport connections to Sydney Olympic Park are simply not good enough. More needs to be done to support what will become the heart of central Sydney.”