The New South Wales (NSW) Government (Australia) has taken the first step to deliver the Parramatta Light Rail network with a meeting of prospective companies and planners.

The industry briefing brings together a range of several key players to share details of how they can contribute to this major project.

Parramatta Light Rail, the state’s third light rail network, will reshape Sydney’s second central business district by connecting Parramatta, Westmead, OIympic Park, Carlingford, Camellia and Strathfield. The new line will be over 20 kilometer long, providing public transport to link residential, employment, cultural and education precincts with high frequency services.

The NSW Government has allocated A$1 billion (US$750 million) of capital funding, although recent estimates indicate the capital cost of the network could exceed current allocated government funding.

Consultation on the exact route will take place later this year and will involve public input. The project construction is expected to begin in late 2018 or early 2019.

Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“Today we’re pressing go on Parramatta Light Rail, on the site where two light rail lines will meet to create a new tram network for the west. This project will provide frequent and reliable links to the great precincts of Sydney like Westmead Hospital, The University of Western Sydney, Parramatta CBD, the Olympic sporting hub and Strathfield while also sparking rejuvenation of Camellia.The project will be a chance for Western Sydney businesses to get on board and benefit, all while creating hundreds of jobs.”

“I want Parramatta Light Rail to be a project all about people, whether it’s Eels and Wanderers fans who could use it to go to the game, punters at Rosehill, event crowds at Olympic Park or students at Western Sydney Uni. As Sydney continues to grow, Parramatta is further establishing itself not just as the city's 'second CBD' but as a significant city in its own right.

I’m excited to get started today on showcasing the opportunities on offer to industry-leading planning and construction organisations, and we’ll soon step up discussions with other expected beneficiaries of Parramatta Light Rail. Later this year, with a specific route under consultation, we will extend engagement to the broader community for public input.”