The Western Sydney Business Chamber is calling on the Federal Government to contribute funding to Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 following an announcement of funding for the expansion of the Gold Coast Light Rail.
The Federal Government is contributing approximately 38% of the cost of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A with the Queensland Government and Gold Coast Council funding the remainder.
"The economic corridor between Sydney CBD and Parramatta is one of the most important in the nation, yet the Federal Government is missing when it comes to funding the transport infrastructure that will unlock thousands of new homes and jobs," said David Borger, Executive Director of the Western Sydney Business Chamber.
"Western Sydney needs a Gold Coast deal for G-POP with the Federal Government chipping in for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to ensure that this crucial project gets off the ground.
"With the NSW Government yet to make an investment decision and with the announcement looking very unlikely this year, we need the Prime Minister to be the white knight of G-POP and come to the table with funding."
Mr Borger said the Greater Sydney Commission has continued to highlight the importance of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 in unlocking the full potential of G-POP in the recently released Precinct Infrastructure Compact.
"Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is a vital project that will ensure that the multi-billion investment in Sydney Metro West works. Stage 2 connects the high density communities of Wentworth Point and Melrose Park with the metro network.
"If the Federal Government has money for Gold Coast Light Rail then surely it has a role to play in contributing funding to a light rail project in the heart of Australia's most economically important city," Mr Borger said.
