25 June 2103
The awarding of the $1.15 billion tunnelling contract to Thiess, John Holland, Dragados demonstrates a strong commitment by the NSW Government to make this project a reality, says the Urban Taskforce.
Too many rail projects in NSW have been on and off projects, says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. It is good to see a professional approach to delivering on the governments rail commitments with the announcement of a $billion contract.
Certainty is critical to the provision of infrastructure so that the private sector can develop housing related to the infrastructure.
The NSW Government should now make the areas around each of the railway stations along the route Urban Activation Precincts for a radius of 800 metres around each station. To help stimulate more housing supply expressions of interest should be called from land owners within these areas to begin the planning process.
The Urban Taskforce is concerned that the flow of housing approvals from the now discontinued Part 3A process is drying up and that government support for more housing needs to occur particularly where major infrastructure is being delivered.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the government and the North West Rail Team to ensure that development options along the rail route are maximised.