Australia
Infrastructure New South Wales’ report First Things First, a state infrastructure strategy for 2012-2032 released in October. First Things Firstis arguably more pragmatic than the Master Plan as it encourages greater use of existing assets, and while accepting rail projects already underway such as the NWRL and the light rail extension, it tends to favour bus and road for future developments.
The First Things First report envisages 20-30 minutes being cut from Central Coast interurban services giving a one hour journey time between Gosford and Sydney Central.
South West rail links, introduce more frequent services, cut journey times, and build a second Sydney Harbour rail crossing as part of a new CBD rail link. It also includes plans for further expansion of the light rail network through the CBD in addition to the already-announced 5.6km Inner West light rail extension from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, and will look at other corridors through a light rail strategic plan.
The master plan says simple steps to make journeys seamless and integrated are an important first step. Network- wide improvements such as electronic ticketing, coordinated timetables, real- time information, efficient interchanges, and a modern fleet will enhance service delivery and better meet customer needs. Mr Tim Williams, Committee for Sydney CEO, says: “We need to get Sydney moving again for the sake of the state and national economies, and this plan may be the game changer we need.” Crucially, the Master Plan lacks a clear indication of how these projects will be funded. The centrepiece of the plan, the 23km Rouse Hill - Epping NWRL is estimated to cost $A 9bn to construct over the next eight years, yet funding has yet to be announced. Originally proposed as a heavy rail line, it will now be built as a rapid transit link connecting with the 13km Epping - Chatswood line, which will also be upgraded to rapid transit standards. Environmental approval for construction
34
to proceed has recently been granted and a shortlist drawn up of bidders for 15km of tunnelling works. The private sector will operate the line. Funding options are tackled in
Sydney
Cudgegong Road Rouse Hill
Bella Vista to Richmond to Emu Plains N
Blacktown Westmead Parramatta
Cherrybrook Carlingford
Epping Camellia Clyde
Regent’s Park
Cabramatta Liverpool
Glenfield Sutherland to Macarthur to Waterfall Cronulla IRJ IRJ November 2012 Bankstown 1 2 3 Campsie Kingsgrove Revesby Hurstville
Macquarie University
Macquarie Park
Olympic Park Lilyfield 4 Berowra
to Wyong and Newcastle
Hornsby City Rail
Existing lines To be converted to rapid transit
Planned rapid transit line Light Rail
Existing line Planned line
Chatswood
North Sydney
3 Strathfield 2 Homebush 1 Lidcombe
4 Pyrmont Macdonaldtown Redfern
Dulwich Hill
Sydenham Airport
Wolli Creek
Botany Bay
Pacific Ocean
Circular Quay Central
This has drawn the ire of the Australasian Railway Association with CEO Mr Bryan Nye particularly critical of the proposals: “Buses and cars are already creating car parks on Sydney roads and without a different approach the city’s congestion will continue to worsen,” says Nye. “Building new roads and in particular the West Connex motorway project will not ease the challenges caused by population growth and the ever-increasing freight volumes.” The report does acknowledge that with a projected increase of 37% in rail patronage over the next 20 years additional rail capacity will be required, particularly in the CBD, which already handles 44% of city commuters, but it favours using existing assets wherever possible “given the extremely high cost of new construction.” It also recommends
Bondi Junction
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64