Tens of thousands of residents will soon have improved access to parklands and open spaces along the Lidcombe to Homebush corridor after Cumberland City Council was successful in its bid to secure $770,000 in funding for the Pippita Rail Trail.
As part of the NSW Government Get NSW Active Program, the new project will provide a walking and cycling connection between Lidcombe Town Centre and Sydney Olympic Park. Over 20,000 residents in Lidcombe will be able to utilise the shared pathways and connect to existing parks and public spaces. Residents and visitors can also travel within the area without using their cars with the project providing connectivity over Parramatta Road and the M4 Motorway.
The trail will be created by transforming an unused three kilometre rail line, that was once used to service the state brickworks, abattoirs and Homebush saleyards, which included the Flemington Goods Junction, Pippita, Metropolitan Meat Platforms and sales yards and Brickworks railway stations.
Cumberland City Mayor Lisa Lake said the project was part of Council's long term strategic vision for Cumberland.
"This project will help residents access parks and open spaces along the corridor. It will also provide an opportunity to cycle or walk directly from Lidcombe to Sydney Olympic Park and view interesting spaces and local history along the way." she said.
"Council is actively advocating for a range of transport options that connect our town centres, open spaces, parklands and employment hubs, both locally and to Greater Sydney. Our vision is to support accessibility in the Cumberland area by improving connections and access to centres, corridors, and public transport services."
Cumberland City Council will now proceed with the planning and detailed design phases of this project which is anticipated to take approximately 18 months to complete.
During this process, Council will also work closely with state agencies and City of Parramatta Council.
