Western Sydney residents say a North-South rail link is just the ticket for local jobs

Tuesday, 27 February 2018

A North-South rail link will improve connectivity across Western Sydney, creating access to more local jobs for residents of the region, according to 87% of respondents to a recent Western Sydney Rail Alliance survey.

A North-South rail link will improve connectivity across Western Sydney, creating access to more local jobs for residents of the region, according to 87% of respondents to a recent Western Sydney Rail Alliance survey.

The online survey asked 2,000 residents from Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden and surrounding suburbs about their current public transport experience and if they support a North-South rail link.

In addition to more local jobs, the survey identified a range of other benefits that North-South rail would provide residents across the entire Western Sydney region, finding:

• 70% of respondents would use North-South rail
• 60% agree that it would effectively connect Western Sydney to other parts of Sydney
• 54% would use it to avoid road congestion
• Others said it would save money running a car, be more relaxing, better for the environment, provide an opportunity to get more work done and remove the stress of car parking.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the survey response wasn't surprising and reinforces Council's consistent advocacy for North-South rail.

"The response to the survey cuts to the heart of why Council is committed to North-South rail. It's a game-changer for the region; a catalyst for new employment opportunities that will enable residents to find work in Western Sydney, close to home," Cr Thain said.

"Connecting the north and south via a rail link will open Penrith to new local jobs and housing, easing congestion on our roads and cutting travel time. There is no other single piece of infrastructure as vital to the future of Western Sydney.

"Recent figures released by the Western Sydney Rail Alliance show that a North-South rail link joining Western Sydney Airport to Penrith in the north and Campbelltown in the south could add almost 120,000 new jobs to the region.

"To ensure the job opportunities provided by Western Sydney Airport are fully realised and easily accessible to the people of Penrith, it's essential that a North-South rail link is up and running from day one of airport operations.

"Penrith residents are calling out for North-South rail to improve connectivity in their local communities. The benefits are clear to everyone who lives in Western Sydney," said Cr Thain.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 27 February 2018.