Sydney misses its link

BY JEREMY BROWN
Transport Minister John Watkins unveiled the new SydneyLink project recently, revealing plans for major transport projects that include a North West Metro, an M4 Extension, the South West Rail Link and even metro to the West and South East. 

At the launch, Mr Watkins said the Sydney region’s 4 million plus population was expected to grow to 5.3 million by 2031, making sustainable transport crucial. The government plans to massively increase Sydney’s public transport with metro rail lines using European style trains ‘ light and energy-efficient with large doors and low platforms for fast access, departing at intervals a few minutes apart.

The first Metro is due for completion in 2017, with the other Metro projects set to follow. 

The Minister said that due to expected rapid growth in Sydney’s North Western suburbs, the North West Metro ‘ linking Rouse Hill to Sydney’s CBD through Castle Hill, Epping, Ryde and Rozelle ‘ would be the first project.

Other routes for the new Metro system could include West Metro, between Parramatta and the CBD, and South East Metro extending from the CBD to Maroubra and Malabar.

Mr Watkins said a South East Metro would provide a long overdue transport fix in Sydney’s southeastern suburbs and a high capacity link between the City, the University of NSW, Maroubra and Malabar.

But groups opposed to the SydneyLink project say a Metro network that does not deliver for 10 years is ‘too little, too late’ given the rising fuel costs and changing climate conditions.

The proposed Metros would not resemble the light rail service to Lilyfield but modern heavy rail systems using lightweight materials, controls and structures.