The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has backed its commitment to building the North West Rail Link and South West Rail Link, allocating more than $600 million to continue work on the projects in the 2011-12 Budget.
Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said the two rail links were the NSW Government’s key transport initiatives in a Budget that delivers an overall $13.1 billion in investment in transport and roads.
“This Budget confirms the NSW Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding this State, by delivering the public transport services and new infrastructure desperately needed by the people of NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“What we have ensured is a generous level of investment that allows work on the North West and South West rail links to quickly progress.
“This investment illustrates to industry and the Sydney community our unwavering, rock solid commitment to building these projects.”
The 2011-12 Budget includes:
- $314 million to develop the 23km North West Rail Link between Epping and Rouse Hill, including $222 million to buy land;
- $292 million to continue construction of the South West Rail Link, which includes 10.5km of twin track between Glenfield and Leppington, two new stations at Edmondson Park and Leppington, car parking and a train stabling facility at Rossmore.
“Since the election, the NSW Government has made good on our promise to fast-track the North West Rail Link,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We’ve established a project team and community information centre, we’ve awarded tenders and we’ve held an industry briefing.
“Community information sessions have been held along the route, in order to listen to the community’s views on the project.
“Today we’ve backed up that work with $314 million to be spent over the next year to buy land and prepare for the start of construction in this term of Government.”
Ms Berejiklian said work would continue on the South West Rail Link which will serve an area where 110,000 new homes are expected to be built over the next 30 years.
“The NSW Government has overseen the laying of the first section of track associated with the South West Rail Link and we’re ready for major construction to forge ahead between Glenfield South and Leppington,” she said.
