EVALUATION COMPLETE
The Australian and New South Wales governments are delivering a new 23 km Sydney Metro rail connection (Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport) from St Marys to the Aerotropolis at Bradfield. Further connections to expand and enhance the Sydney rail network are under investigation.
Delivering a rail connection between Tallawong and St Marys would link Western Sydney Airport with Sydney Metro North West, providing enhanced connectivity to Sydney’s north, the central business district and beyond.
The proposal aligns with the Infrastructure Policy Statement by improving connectivity and network efficiency, supporting housing delivery, access to jobs and broader economic growth while also reducing pressure on congested road networks.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
The proposal includes extending rail services between Tallawong and St Marys (via Schofields and Marsden Park). The New South Wales Government has protected a preferred corridor between Tallawong and Marsden Park for future transport infrastructure.
INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Australian Government should note this proposal as a potential future investment opportunity within the 2-4 year pipeline.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES
This proposal has the potential to:
- Enhance high-capacity transport connections to Western Sydney Airport – improving access to the airport from north west Sydney will be important to supporting airport operations and realising the economic potential of the Western Parkland City.
- Improve network resilience and travel reliability – expanding public transport options would reduce reliance on the road network and improve performance during peak periods.
- Support population, economic and housing growth – stronger transport links would help accommodate current and future growth by improving access to key housing and employment growth areas across Western Sydney.
- Strengthen regional connectivity – reliable public transport options between Tallawong and St Marys would improve access between key centres and reduce pressure on the road network.
- Support Net Zero objectives – delivering new public transport connections would support a shift from private vehicles to public transport, reducing emissions and supporting a more sustainable transport network.
NEXT STEPS
Proponent to progress development of a Final Business Case (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework), including:
- network integration analysis, including how the proposed rail connection would interface with the existing transport network
- consideration of approach to digital signalling to ensure compliance with European Train Control System (ETCS) standards where metropolitan networks interface with, or provide access to, the National Network for Interoperability
- interoperability assessment with existing rail connections such as Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport, including interchange design and multimodal connectivity.