Western Sydney’s business community has delivered a clear verdict: the region’s next wave of growth depends on new Metro lines.
A new 25-year blueprint released today by Business Western Sydney and KPMG has found more than nine in ten businesses surveyed say new Metro and rail links are critical to Western Sydney’s future growth, with 86 per cent calling for them to be treated as a high priority by government.
With $14 billion in forecast growth at risk without a clear plan to deliver new rail connections, the NSW Liberals are calling on the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments to urgently outline their plans for Western Sydney’s economic future.
The NSW Liberals have already put forward significant plans to build a stronger future for Western Sydney, including:
A new Western Sydney City Deal by 2028, to partner with the region’s eight councils to deliver the housing and infrastructure needed to support growing communities.
A Metro for South Western Sydney, extending from Bradfield to connect one of Greater Sydney’s most poorly serviced rail corridors, despite the region being expected to accommodate a third of Sydney’s population growth.
A Sydney Metro Investment Fund, establishing a long-term framework to partner with superannuation funds, infrastructure investors and the private sector to help finance and deliver future Metro projects.
In contrast, both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns have failed to commit to delivering the next generation of critical rail infrastructure for Western Sydney.
Since becoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has not invested a single dollar in delivery funding for new rail links, while Chris Minns continues to sit on two proposals to extend the Western Sydney Airport Metro.
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said that investing in new rail links is essential to building a stronger economy for Western Sydney and the nation.
“The past fortnight has demonstrated what Western Sydney can achieve when governments have the vision to invest in transformational infrastructure, with the new airport, a new Metro and the Powerhouse in Parramatta unlocking Western Sydney’s potential,” Ms Sloane said.
“These projects took years of planning and investment, and Western Sydney cannot afford to stand still and go through another lost decade.”
“With more than nine in ten businesses telling government that new rail links are critical to the region’s future, the message could not be clearer – Western Sydney needs a government with a plan to keep building the infrastructure that supports new homes, new jobs and economic growth.”
“While the Liberals are planning for Western Sydney’s next generation of infrastructure, Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese are failing to outline how they will deliver it.”
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the missing link in Western Sydney’s transport future is the Albanese and Minns Labor Government.
“The Liberals and Nationals delivered the first Western Sydney City Deal and the Airport Metro that came with it,” Ms Ward said.
“We will do it again – this time shaped with councils and backed by a funding pipeline industry can plan around.”
“The Prime Minister and the Premier need to get on the same page. You don’t give people a better economic future off the back of a ballot paper, you build it with a plan, investment and co-operation.”