If you object to this as I do, you may wish to email the Premier, the Treasurer, The Minister for Transport, and The Minister for Health andmake yoru views known:Light Rail Project wrote:Dear Subscriber,
This message provides the latest information on the Inner West Light Rail Extension.
On 6 September 2011 the Minister for Transport announced that the 2011/12 NSW Government State Budget has delivered funding for the Inner West Light Rail Extension but the associated walking and cycle path component of the GreenWay, has been deferred.
Why has the shared path been deferred?
Detailed planning work revealed the complexities of the GreenWay shared path would add to the delivery timeframes, construction risks and costs for the light rail extension.
The deferral will allow the Inner West Light Rail Extension to be delivered while the proposed GreenWay is considered as part of a broader active transport plan. Construction of the Inner West Light Rail Extension will not preclude a future GreenWay.
What does this mean for the bushcare sites?
Importantly, the bushcare component of the GreenWay, which aims to improve the biodiversity, amenity and habitat value along the length of the light rail corridor, will be delivered concurrently with the Inner West Light Rail Extension.
What happens next?
Geotechnical investigations are now underway along the rail corridor to assess ground conditions. This information will be used to finalise the preliminary design and tender documents currently being prepared.
In the coming months, tenders for both the detailed design and construction of the project and the supply of rolling stock will be issued. By mid next year the contracts will be awarded and construction will be underway.
The Department of Transport will continue to work with the local councils and the community in the delivery of the project.
When will the extension begin operations?
The Inner West Light Rail Extension will be operating in early 2014 – just over two years from now. Between now and then, tenders for an appropriate design and construct contractor and rolling stock supplier will be issued and contracts awarded; detailed design will be undertaken; construction of stops, power supply and signalling systems will be completed; and the new service will be tested and commissioned.
When will the community see more detail?
Following the award of the design and construct contract, detailed design will begin. The community will be consulted on various elements of the project during the development of the detailed design.
The project team will keep the community informed of opportunities for involvement together with key project milestones.
Further information
Please contact the project team via toll free phone line on 1800 636 910 or email lightrail@transport.nsw.gov.au. Further information is also available at http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au.
Thank you for your ongoing interest in the Inner West Light Rail Extension.
Regards
Light Rail Project Team
office@premier.nsw.gov.au
office@treasurer.nsw.gov.au
office@berejiklian.minister.nsw.gov.au
office@parker.minister.nsw.gov.au