Parramatta Light Rail (PLR) Stage 2 proposes extending the existing light rail network, PLR Stage 1, to key growth precincts across the Greater Parramatta to Olympic Peninsula (GPOP), including Rydalmere East, Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park, to strengthen connections between residential areas and major employment centres.

The proposal responds to poor public transport connectivity and car dependence across the corridor, which is projected to increase without intervention. It aims to support housing supply, improve access to jobs and services, and facilitate more efficient and integrated land use and transport outcomes across a rapidly developing urban corridor.

Strategic Fit

The proposal demonstrates a satisfactory case for change, aligns broadly with national policies, and shows evidence of strong engagement and support from government, communities and industry, as well as clear integration with existing and planned rail, bus and ferry networks.

Societal Impact

There is strong evidence that PLR Stage 2 would improve quality of life for residents of the GPOP corridor and provide moderate improvements to productivity and network resilience. The proposal is also expected to deliver intergenerational benefits through increased housing supply, improved accessibility, and enhanced precinct liveability and connectivity.

Deliverability

The proponent and industry appear well positioned to deliver the proposal, having successfully delivered similar projects, including PLR Stage 1. The proposed governance, packaging and contracting approach are appropriate, and the proponent has identified and is managing key delivery risks. Funding uncertainty introduces material scope and schedule risks, and a staged delivery approach would require further work to refine costs, risks, benefits and delivery strategy.

Next Steps

Infrastructure Australia supports PLR Stage 2, recognising its role in unlocking housing and employment growth within the GPOP corridor, and complementing adjacent investment in Sydney Metro West, PLR Stage 1 and the Parramatta Powerhouse. 

We support delivery of PLR Stage 2 as a single, integrated project, noting this approach is likely to be more efficient than a staged delivery and better supports the timely realisation of the proposal’s housing, land use and economic outcomes.

We recommend the NSW Government implements coordinated planning and delivery mechanisms to ensure timely realisation of housing outcomes along the PLR Stage 2 corridor, including progressing transit-oriented development in key precincts.

To inform future delivery planning, we are supportive of NSW Government developing a benefits realisation plan and we recommend including clear, measurable housing and land use targets for monitoring and public reporting on proposal outcomes.