Australian manufacturing content will now be a requirement for Stage 2 of the NSW Parramatta Light Rail Final Business Case to ensure infrastructure projects lift local economies and create new jobs onshore.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said he is committed to providing opportunities to manufacture transport assets in Australia that will benefit both commuters and taxpayers.
“This is an exciting time for Australian manufacturers and construction companies. We are prioritising your skills, experience and assets ahead of overseas content,” he said.
“Being able to build, design, and maintain transport assets locally also provides greater opportunities to support and upskill Australian workers in the delivery of public transport infrastructure.
“Transport for NSW will hold briefings from next week with experienced local manufacturers to understand their capacity and capability to provide rolling stock and equipment locally, either wholly or partially.”
In addition to the industry briefings, the mapping of utilities such as water mains, electricity and gas, and geotechnical investigations will start next month and will form part of the Final Business Case for Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail.
The community will be notified prior to this important work commencing.
Underground investigations will be vital to support the planning work along the proposed alignment, connecting Stage 1 of the project to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park. Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail is currently under construction and has created more than 5,000 local jobs and has seen over 700 people working on the project each day.
The proposed Stage 2 of Parramatta Light Rail will connect to Sydney Metro West, heavy rail in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, and ferry services at Rydalmere and Sydney Olympic Park.