MEDIA RELEASE: TRANSFORMING SYDNEY: PLANNING APPROVAL GRANTED FOR $1.6B CBD AND SOUTH EAST LIGHT RAIL

Gladys Berejiklian MP
Minister for Transport

MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 4 June 2014

TRANSFORMING SYDNEY: PLANNING APPROVAL GRANTED FOR $1.6B CBD AND SOUTH EAST LIGHT RAIL 

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the green light had been given for the $1.6 billion new CBD and South East Light Rail project.

The CBD and South East Light Rail will link Circular Quay and Central, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.

It extends from Circular Quay along George Street to Central Station and Moore Park, then to Kingsford via Anzac Parade and Randwick via Alison Road and High Street.

“This is a priority project for the NSW Government that will transform Sydney, deliver over $4 billion worth of economic benefits and create 10,000 jobs for NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I am delighted the project has received formal planning approval. The NSW Government is getting on with the job of building new infrastructure that will improve services for transport customers, increase productivity and support economic growth.

“Light rail will bring major benefits for Sydneysiders including significantly improved access to modern and reliable public transport, access to sporting, entertainment, health, and education precincts, a boost to local businesses, and we have no doubt it will also result in urban renewal and economic development.”

Ms Berejiklian said approval of the CBD and South East Light Rail includes conditions to address key impacts during construction and operation of the new light rail system.

“We recognise that there are challenges ahead, and delivering a project of this scale in a busy urban environment will result in impacts to communities and businesses during construction.

“We have listened to the community and these conditions will ensure that during construction and operation of the CBD and South East Light Rail, potential environmental, noise and traffic impacts are managed well.

“I would like to thank the community, businesses, and our key project partners for their contributions and continued support on the CBD and South East Light Rail project and for the feedback provided.”

Ms Berejiklian said hundreds of community members and stakeholders attended information sessions held in their neighbourhood in recent months, taking the opportunity to find out more about light rail. 

There were over 480 submissions made to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed throughout delivery of the project through project updates, letter box drops, the website, and notices in local newspapers.
Local business and community forums are also being established in each precinct along the light rail route.

The main contract to design, build, operate and maintain the new system is expected to be awarded as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) by early 2015 with major construction commencing soon after.

The service is expected to be open and operational in 2019 or 2020.

Further details on Sydney Light Rail are available at www.sydneylightrail.com.au
The EIS Submissions Report is available at www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au

Project fast facts
  • The CBD and South East Light Rail will link Circular Quay and Central, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick
  • The project also includes the development of a pedestrian zone along George Street, between Hunter and Bathurst Streets
  • Includes 20 light rail stops along the 12 kilometre route
  • High frequency, ‘turn up and go’ services every two to three minutes during peak periods in the CBD and every five to six minutes between Moore Park and the Randwick and Kingsford branches
  • Major interchanges with ferry, heavy rail and bus services
  • A fleet of electric-powered Light Rail Vehicles’s (LRVs), with air conditioning and accessible low-floor design
  • A highly reliable service with the capability to carry up to 9000 passengers per hour in each direction
  • Public domain improvements including possible new public spaces, paving, trees, lighting and street furniture
  • A stabling facility in Randwick and a maintenance depot in Rozelle

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This consultation has concluded. This website was operational from 2011 to 2014 as a means to consult the community and show the benefits of light rail in Randwick City. The NSW Government will start construction on the CBD and South East Light Rail project after April 2015. For updates on construction refer to the Sydney Light Rail website: http://www.sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/latest/current-works  

Randwick City Council continues to consult the local community about ways to reduce the impact of the construction of light rail in Randwick City. Future consultations will be conducted through our special consultation websitewww.yoursayrandwick.com.au.

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