Need rail link to Lidcombe

Last week, the NSW Government announced a $2 billion budget for Stage 2 of the project which will link the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park – but Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake says it doesn’t go far enough.
Although welcoming the announcement of funding for Stage 2 to “provide critical infrastructure to the people of Western Sydney moving forward”, she wants the Government to examine and include an extension of project.
“The extension of the light rail project to terminate at Lidcombe Station from Carter Street, is critical in providing greater transport options to the busy Lidcombe precinct,” the Mayor said.
The council has long been advocating for the extension and a report two years ago said the extension of light rail to terminate at Lidcombe Station from Carter Street, “is critical in providing greater transport options to the busy Lidcombe precinct”.
Stage 2 of the project includes a 12km link between the Parramatta CBD and Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point with 14 new stops, three new river crossings and 8.5km of new walking and cycling paths.
Passengers will be able to travel from Sydney Olympic Park to Camellia in around 30 minutes, and on to the Parramatta CBD in another seven minutes.
Premier Chris Minns said the forecast was that light rail would be carrying 28,000 passengers every day by 2026, “it’s a game-changer – connecting venues, schools, shops and people for decades to come”, while Transport Minster Jo Haylen said the predicted 280,000 people who were expected to live along the Stage 2 route, needed frequent and reliable public transport services, “and we’ll deliver it”.
While the proposed route is undecided, the council had previously shortlisted options, including via John Street or Birnie Avenue.