NSW Government Announces Parramatta Light Rail Stage Funding

Mere weeks after the Federal Budget was announced, the NSW Government has confirmed that the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project will proceed.

The NSW Government announced $2 billion in funding for the project stating that the Federal Budget announcement allowed for the State Government to proceed with the project’s construction. 

NSW Planning Approval and Federal Environmental approval has already been obtained for the project.

“The light rail’s forecast to carry 28,000 passengers every day by 2026,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“That’s a game-changer for communities around Parramatta—connecting venues, schools, shops and people for decades to come.”

The second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail will connect the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park across the suburbs of Camellia, Rydalmere, Wentworth Point, Ermington and Melrose Park.

It will cover 12km with 14 new stops, three new river crossings and 8.5km of new walking and cycling paths. 

A trip from Sydney Olympic Park to Camellia is estimated to take 30 minutes with another 7 minutes to reach the Parramatta CBD. 

The construction will occur in phases with a 320m public bridge over the Parramatta River, between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point, one of the first phases.

▲ A map of the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail project in NSW.

Construction will start this year with a shortlist of contractors: CPB Contractors Pty Ltd and McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) Pty Ltd in a joint venture; Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd and SRG Global in a joint venture and John Holland Group Pty Ltd.

An Enabling Works contract will be awarded this year. 

The first stage of the Parramatta Light Rail project is being tested and will soon be open to passengers. 

“In 2041, 280,000 people are expected to live along the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment,” NSW transport minister Jo Haylen said.

Another $1.9 billion has been promised in the Federal Budget to help create freight and traffic routes across 14 different projects in Western Sydney to connect the Western Sydney Airport to the Sydney CBD.

The NSW Government has also announced that its upcoming Budget will allocate $1 billion for new roads in and around Western Sydney and much needed upgrades.

▲ A render of the Light Rail project near the Carter Precinct.

“Coming off the back of the $2 billion announced by the Albanese Government for strategic Western Sydney roads in the May Federal Budget, the combined funding now means the long-awaited upgrades of Elizabeth Drive and Mamre Road stand a good chance of being finalised prior to the opening of the new airport in 2026,” Urban Taskforce acting chief executive Stephen Fenn said.

“[A total of] $400 million has been allocated to upgrade Elizabeth Drive, while $500 million will be directed towards upgrading Mamre Road between Erskine Park and Kemps Creek.

“[A total of] $115 million will be directed towards upgrading Mulgoa Road into a four-lane carriage way, and $10 million for a key intersection on Appin Road.

“The two Governments are singing from the same song sheet when it comes to these critical road upgrades—which is great news for investment in job creating projects located around the airport.”