PLR budget boost a plus but more funds needed to unlock housing
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Funding certainty for key transport projects including Parramatta Light Rail (PLR) Stage 2 and Metro West will be critical to delivering on the State’s housing needs in Western Sydney.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey today welcomed the additional $200 million injection for PLR Stage 2 in the 2023-24 NSW Budget but said more funding would be needed to bring the project to life.
“This is a great first step that will help fast-track planning for Stage 2 but more will be needed if we’re going to see construction of this vital transport link start in this term of Government,” Cr Pandey said.
“We welcome the Minns Government’s commitment to make Stage 2 a reality but it must be backed by action. We need certainty that more funding will follow for families and businesses to have confidence the transport service they’ve long been promised is really on the way.”
“The promise of this service has been dangled in front of communities like Melrose Park and Wentworth Point for years. They want to know government is going to stop talking and start building.”
Cr Pandey welcomed the Budget for additional schools and public preschools in the area including a new primary school near Sydney Olympic Park and new high schools for Wentworth Point and Melrose Park – communities that would all benefit from PLR Stage 2.
“It’s critical we cater to the needs of these growing communities and that means ensuring access to the education and transport services they deserve.”
Cr Pandey said the community was hopeful that the Government’s decision to preserve Sydney Metro West in the Budget was a sign the project would proceed following an independent review due to be delivered in October.
“We understand the Government wanting to review the plans for Metro West and to ensure we get this once in generations project right – and we know ‘getting it right’ means more stations including at Camellia and Newington,” Cr Pandey said.
“The simple reality is you can’t build homes without infrastructure that gets people from A to B. Metro West is the gamechanger we need to help unlock new housing supply.”