25 November 2014
The State Infrastructure Strategy Update released by Infrastructure NSW demonstrates the dramatic impact that selling part of the poles and wires can have in preparing Sydney and NSW for future growth, says the Urban Taskforce.
“The Sydney Rapid Transit proposal at $7 billion and the extra $600 million for the Parramatta Light Rail along with the potential to extend the Sydney Light Rail to La Peruse are critical projects that will support future higher density growth in Sydney,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “We must use the linear arteries of transport systems to focus future growth in metropolitan areas and these projects can do exactly this.”
“Sydney will need to double the 1.66 million homes it currently has over the next 50 years and the best locations for this dramatic growth will be along public transport routes.”
“The long list of infrastructure projects includes educational, health and cultural facilities that are critical to a growing community. The $600 million for arts and cultural facilities will be spread across a range of Sydney CBD and Western Sydney projects.”
“Sports facilities also get $600 million with many competing bids for this expenditure.”
“The overall package of infrastructure projects covers a vast range of locations and different facilities. This demonstrates the incredible gain to the NSW community that comes with the sale of the poles and wires.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to kick start NSW and particularly Sydney into the next stage of our growth. Inevitably our urban areas will need precincts of increased density and for this to maintain our lifestyle we will need the infrastructure to support this.”
“The next step will be to align Sydney’s planned growth with the proposed infrastructure and we look forward to seeing this in the Metropolitan Strategy.”
