Minister for Transport media release: Improved CBD and South East Light Rail project design after community feedback

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced improvements to the CBD and South East Light Rail project as a result of community consultation, including changes to light rail stops in Randwick and a new pedestrian bridge adjacent to schools at Moore Park.

“The new light rail is a critical project for NSW that will improve public transport in Sydney, address congestion and provide future economic growth,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We have listened to the community and made a number of significant improvements to the light rail project thanks to feedback we received as part of the formal EIS process.

“As a result of the community feedback, the Randwick interchange has been redesigned to retain three times more parkland at High Cross Park than previously proposed.

“This will make more green space available for local residents and ensure the integrity of the Randwick District War Memorial is maintained.”

The Moore Park light rail stop will be moved further south and will incorporate a brand new footbridge over Anzac Parade.

“The new bridge is a win for pedestrians and will improve safety for the students of Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls High School accessing the Moore Park light rail stop,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We will also relocate two light rail stops from Wansey Road to Alison Road and High Street and keep a significant amount of existing on-street parking for local residents.

“The NSW Government has undertaken significant community and stakeholder consultation to better understand the needs of the community and our customers as light rail moves towards construction and future operation.”

Thousands of community members and stakeholders attended information sessions held in their neighbourhood during the EIS exhibition period in 2013, and more than 480 submissions were received.

“I am pleased that the feedback we received from the community has made such a positive difference to this project,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Feedback from the public has been carefully considered and issues raised have been responded to in an EIS Submissions Report that will now be reviewed by Planning and Infrastructure before a decision is made regarding planning approval in the coming months.

Subject to planning approval, construction on the CBD and South East Light Rail will begin this year and will take five to six years to complete.

The EIS Submissions Report is available at www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au and more information on the project is available atwww.sydneylightrail.com.au.