A first look at the proposed Pippita Rail Trail has been revealed by Cumberland Council, with locals encouraged to share their thoughts on the project's vision for a new connection between Lidcombe Train Station and Sydney Olympic Park.
The design project, funded by Transport for NSW's Get NSW Active program, proposes an improved and accessible walking and cycling link between Lidcombe Train Station and 430 hectares of recreational facilities at Sydney Olympic Park.
Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake said the Pippita Rail Trail reflects Council's commitment to creating an active, vibrant and inclusive community.
"As part of Council's long term strategic vision for Cumberland, the Pippita Rail Trail will offer a unique opportunity for cycling or walking directly from Lidcombe to Sydney Olympic Park, allowing residents and visitors to explore our outdoor spaces, socialise and discover our local history along the way," said Mayor Lake.
"I invite and encourage all community members to take some time to look over this exciting masterplan and concept designs, as your valuable feedback will help shape this exciting project."
More than 20,000 Lidcombe residents will be able to walk and ride on the proposed trail which will connect to existing local parks and public spaces in and around Sydney Olympic Park.
The community is encouraged to provide their feedback as Council works to finalise the planning and design phase for the project, which received $770,000 in funding as part of Transport for NSW's Get NSW Active program.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said this was an opportunity for the community to learn more about the Pippita Rail Trail project.
"The Pippita Rail Trail will become a convenient walking and cycling link between Lidcombe Train Station and the Sydney Olympic Park precinct. The new 2.4 kilometre path will give people a new way to move between home and work, public transport hubs, food and dining precincts, stadiums and public spaces," Minister Haylen said.
"This transformation will create a destination that locals can use every day, and people from all over Sydney can visit and enjoy, while recognising the rich history of the area's former railway line.
"Transport for NSW's Get NSW Active Program helps councils to deliver projects and initiatives that enable more people to safely and easily walk and ride bikes as part of their everyday travel through the creation of footpaths, shared pathways and cycleways."
The proposed design for the walking and riding trail will transform what was the former Abattoir Branch railway line.
It once serviced the State Abattoirs, State Brick Works and Homebush Saleyards with stations including Pippita, Metropolitan Meat Platforms, Saleyards, Abattoirs and Brickworks.
The masterplan and concept designs were prepared based on community feedback from Council's last exhibition period in 2022, as well as urban design and environmental considerations.
Opportunities to capture the historical significance of the former Abattoir Branch railway line have also been detailed in the plan, including reasons for naming the project after Pippita.
Community consultation is open from Monday 12 February to Sunday 10 March 2024.
To have your say or to visit one of Council's community sessions on the project, visit: https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/pippita-rail-trail-masterplan.
