Australian Govlink Vol 1 2014 | Page 9

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFILE Artist impression of Council’s proposed light rail system With the Parramatta-Epping link temporarily shelved, what are the council’s plans for advocating for greater public transport development in the region? Last year, Council took a detailed look at the economic, social and environmental impacts of a light rail network and how it could help meet the transport needs of Sydney’s growing population over the coming decades. Generating two feasibility studies, Council found that a light rail network in Western Sydney would have numerous benefits for areas with poor access to public transport, such as the corridors from Parramatta to Castle Hill and Macquarie Park. The first stage would link Parramatta to Macquarie Park via Eastwood, followed by another line connecting Parramatta to Castle Hill. From here, the network would grow and evolve to meet the future economic and social needs of the region. We estimate that the first stage of the network would cost about $1.7 billion to construct. The Castle Hill line will cost about $800 million and the Macquarie Park line about $900 million. These routes would better connect S 呹