The Restore Inner West Line community action group thanks the NSW Government for the opportunity to comment on the Homebush Transport Oriented Development Rezoning Proposal. Homebush lacks trains and light rail services to support rezoning in the Transport Oriented Development Program.
We believe that transit oriented development is an important aspect of sustainable growth in our major cities. This submission outlines the additional transport infrastructure needed in the Homebush and surrounding precinct.
It is important to note that Transport for NSW has advised the Department of Planning that Homebush does NOT have the rail infrastructure capacity to support additional housing growth. This is seen in an email of June 2023 stating that only the T2 Inner West Line between Burwood and Macdonaldtown is suitable for the Transport Oriented Development Program.
Transport for NSW needs to commit to a permanent restoration of the T2 Inner West Line routes before the 2013 timetable changes. These include the Liverpool to City via Regents Park and Bankstown to City via Regents Park services.
We welcome the 2024 timetable decision to include a temporary restoration of the Inner West Line: Liverpool via Regents Park, but this is not enough especially as rail capacity exists for the restoration of the Bankstown to City via Regents Park service as well.
Transport for NSW needs to urgently investigate an extension of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 from Carter Street (North Lidcombe/Olympic Park) to Strathfield Station. Extending light rail from Olympic Park to Strathfield either via Parramatta Road or Underwood Road is important to reducing car dependency and traffic congestion in the Homebush TOD Rezoning Precinct. We support the EcoTransit campaign to extend Light Rail from Olympic Park to Strathfield.
Buses cannot be relied on as a long-term future solution to the increased density and population growth around Homebush. Movement of 1000 people requires approximately 15 buses or just between 3 to 4 light rail vehicles. Providing an extended light rail connection to Olympic Park Metro Station and Strathfield Station significantly enhances connectivity for the Homebush TOD Rezoning Precinct.
Upgrades to active transport to encourage walking and cycling to train stations is also needed. The level of traffic on Parramatta Road needs to be reduced to make walking and cycling an attractive option. Better footpaths, lighting, crossings/connections, and graffiti removal would assist in the transition away from car dependency.
Until Transport for NSW and the Department of Planning works collaboratively with both Strathfield Council and Canada Bay Council including providing the funding for the local active transport upgrades (that can be implemented within 2 years), and begins planning for the extension of light rail and permanent restoration of Inner West Line train services, then the Homebush Precinct is not ready for TOD Rezoning.
