The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has today welcomed the release of the construction timetable for Sydney’s CBD and South East Light Rail project, which involves staged work across 31 zones, minimising disruption over the entire construction period.

“The release of the schedule will give businesses, including hotels and other tourism ventures, greater certainty and allows them to get on with planning to manage impacts related to construction,” Ms Osmond said.

“While construction activity in a busy precinct is never easy, the experience of Melbourne’s Swanston Street and on the Gold Coast shows that once operational, light rail provides a huge economic benefit for the surrounding retail precinct.

“TTF also welcomes the creation of a new body, based on the Olympic Development Authority, to manage transport arrangement in the CBD during construction.

“We have been urging the government to treat the impacts of the construction period like major event to minimise the impacts on businesses and commuters.

“As we did in 2000 with the Olympics, Sydney can successfully manage this project which will deliver a world-class public transport system that is capable of supporting the growth of our city,” she said.

Ms Osmond said it was disappointing to see NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley indicate his opposition to the backbone of the light rail network – the link from Central to Circular Quay – earlier this week.

“Labor needs to stop playing politics and support this important investment in our public transport network,” she said.