Mon Mar 11

Delivering the rail links Western Sydney needs

Written by Scott Morrison

The Morrison and Berejiklian Governments will ensure the Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport has a metro rail line in time for its opening.

The Prime Minister said his Government’s $3.5 billion rail package commitment would help bring the vision to life, alongside the commitment from the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government.

“Working together our governments are going to get this done,” the Prime Minister said.

“For years people have talked about backing the Western Sydney International Airport. For years people have promised more rail links in the western suburbs. We’re going to deliver both.

“Our plan for a stronger economy means we can make record infrastructure investments in Western Sydney unlike the Labor Party who would need to prop up their Budget with $200 billion of higher taxes on housing, retirees, incomes, electricity and small and family businesses.

“This project and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will drive economic growth for Western Sydney, boost jobs and housing and make it into a key hub of our city all as part of our Western Sydney City Deal.”

The rail overhaul is set to begin with the first stage of the North South Rail Link from St Marys to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis via Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. The Morrison Government’s $3.5 billion commitment kicks off with $61 million for the Elizabeth Drive Overpass, an essential piece of early enabling infrastructure to ensure the airport is rail ready. The Morrison Government is fully funding Western Sydney International Airport with $5.3 billion, and has committed $2.9 billion to the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the construction of the rail line would bring together rail, road and airport infrastructure, all in time for the commencement of operations at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in 2026.

“This will provide a crucial north-south rail connection for the people of Western Sydney and create a new way of travel for the community,” Minister Tudge said.

“It will contribute to the success of the airport and the businesses in the Aerotropolis in helping to bring Western Sydney to the world.”

The business case for the project is being jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments and is expected to be delivered to the Australian and NSW governments by the end of this year.