Public Transport & Infrastructure The Big Winners In NSW Budget

The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has praised the NSW Government for the record investment in public transport and transport infrastructure across Sydney and regional NSW, including funding for the roll-out of the centrepiece Sydney Metro project.

“Sydney is in the middle of a transport revolution at the moment and it is set to gain momentum with funding for the expansion of the Sydney Metro and the construction of light rail in Western Sydney and Newcastle,” said Margy Osmond, TTF CEO.

“The allocation of $41.5 billion for major capital works is an investment which other States and Territories in Australia will be envious of. NSW is indeed getting on with the job of reinvesting the capital that has been liberated through asset recycling into new productive economic infrastructure for Sydney and regional NSW.

“TTF has been a vocal advocate of the need to invest in more public transport in our cities to improve liveability and make them more attractive places to live, work, play and visit. It’s a message that is being turned into reality through the construction of the new Sydney Metro and road projects like WestConnex.

“Transport is a bread and butter issue for a modern, global city. The future success and growth of Sydney will depend on the efficiency of our transport network and the ability for residents and visitors to not only access our city, but efficiently move around it.”

Ms Osmond said TTF welcomed the commitment of $1 billion for new suburban trains which will support additional services and encourage more people to use public transport.

“The investment of $2.1 billion in our regional road network including the Pacific and Princes Highways are important to improving road safety and enabling regional dispersal, helping to attract more visitors especially the independent international travellers who are increasingly getting out of the cities onto regional roads. Making our regional tourism destinations more accessible is vital to growing our regional economies and jobs.

“The continuing partnership between the NSW and Federal Governments to upgrade the roads around the future Western Sydney Airport is great for the region but we will continue to champion the need for both Governments to progress the plans and funding commitments for rail links to the airport sooner rather than later.”