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Transport Forum
Reflects Business Needs
I congratulate Lord Mayor Paul Garrard on his recent transport
forum which brought together government, business and community leaders to
discuss this challenge facing business in western Sydney.
While the Chamber congratulates state Member for Parramatta
Tanya Gadiel on brining a commuter Rivercat service to reality, we agree with
the Lord Mayor that the NSW Government has let us down when it comes to keeping
transport abreast of growing requirements and that the resurrection of the abandoned
Epping to Parramatta
rail link must be a government priority.
Cr Garrard surmised perfectly, "We need a transport system
which supports Parramatta
as a destination and not a departure point for Sydney CBD". With the growth of jobs
in Parramatta
over recent years combined with the increase in population to the west, surely
those managing our transport system can see that Cr Garrard's point is common
sense.
Let's face it, roads into and out of Parramatta during morning and afternoon peaks
are gridlocked. Once, highly skilled staff looked favourably at Parramatta as it didn't
come with the peak traffic jams of Sydney CBD. Now this is not the case with
local businesses concerned about the effect on potential recruitment.
Take the abandoned Epping to Parramatta rail link. This would provide rail
access to Parramatta
for the growing professional workforce residing on the central coast. Currently
travel to work in Parramatta
means taking the train via Central or adding to our congested roads in their
vehicles.
This rail link would also provide residents of Parramatta and western Sydney
easier access to the industrial area of Macquarie Park.
Why does Optus, a major employer there, still hire government buses to ship
their staff in and out? Because the NSW Government has let western Sydney down regarding
rail transport.
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