Parramatta is pushing for the State and Federal Governments to get behind its vision for the Parramatta CBD to be home to a critical transport hub connecting Parramatta to the world - and back it with legislation identifying and protecting land for rail stations and corridors within the network, including in the Parramatta CBD.
Council this week nominated the Parramatta CBD as its preferred location for a high speed rail station that it says must be part of the Federal Government's plans for a Newcastle to Sydney high speed rail link.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said a site in the Parramatta CBD close to the planned Metro West Station was the logical location for a high speed rail station.
"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine Sydney's transport network and create a new superstation for both Metro and high speed rail that is genuinely central to Greater Sydney's growing population - and a short stroll to heavy rail, a developing light rail network and a major bus interchange," Cr Zaiter said.
"We need to take steps now to identify and protect a footprint for this underground station which we see as the new Grand Central that future Sydney needs.
"Bold visions need bold planning to make them a reality. That's why we are calling on the NSW Government to preserve the land and rail corridors needed to futureproof our ability to create one of the largest rail hubs in Australia."
Cr Zaiter said a business case for the Newcastle to Sydney high speed rail link was expected to go to the Federal Government within days.
"We have been fighting hard to position Parramatta as a critical component of stage one of a national high speed rail network - and if our bid succeeds, we need to ensure our station is locked in no matter what.
"That's why if we secure a Parramatta station in stage one, we want the Federal Government to preserve the station and corridor and enshrine the route in legislation and ensure we are planning for this once in a generation infrastructure project with certainty."
