The LG8 has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment of $6.8 billion to the South Coast Rail Plan to electrify the Kiama to Bomaderry service and double tracks at key bottlenecks, describing it as a critical step towards delivering the modern, reliable and efficient transport infrastructure needed to support one of New South Wales’ fastest-growing regions.
Representing the Councils of the Illawarra Shoalhaven, the Southern Highlands and the Macarthur Region, the LG8 said the commitment recognises the strategic importance of the South Coast Rail Line to residents, workers, students, businesses and our State and National economies.
With a major focus on transport connectivity across the region, the LG8 also sees the strategic importance of investment in the Macarthur to Illawarra link as a priority.
Chair of the LG8 Committee of Mayors, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Cr Tania Brown, indicated that the investment would help improve connectivity between the South Coast and Sydney, strengthen regional economic growth and enhance access to jobs, education, health services and tourism opportunities.
She said, “The LG8 Councils have worked together to identify in our Strategic Partnerships document a series of infrastructure and strategic initiatives that will unlock housing capacity, drive economic growth and support sustainable local communities. The State Government’s investment in the South Coastline including electrification to Bomaderry, removal of bottlenecks and enhanced freight and passenger capacity addresses one of our key focus areas. It will be transformational and help accelerate our wider region’s status as one of New South Wales’ most significant sources of employment and growth.”
Mayor of Wollondilly and sponsor of the LG8 Transport Connectivity Taskforce, Cr Matt Gould, supported Lord Mayor Brown in congratulating the NSW Government on its initiative.
“The LG8 representing almost 1 million residents is advocating for improved rail infrastructure and services to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding population and to provide a sustainable transport options that reduce congestion on key corridors. The NSW Government’s commitment is a positive step towards meeting the growing passenger and freight demand on the South Coast line and we warmly welcome this announcement. We also look forward to working with the State Government on further initiatives to build a more connected, productive and sustainable future for our great local communities and the wider region. In particular, the LG8 would like to see a similar approach to the Macarthur to Illawarra rail link, delivering an electrified rail line
from Campbelltown to the Illawarra via Wilton to finally connect these two fast-growing regions and create a much needed freight and passenger link between Greater Western Sydney and the Illawarra.”
