There were celebrations last week as Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 was awarded the prestigious Banksia National Sustainability Awards in the Placemaking category. The award celebrates infrastructure projects that prioritise sustainability and resilience through innovative design and practices.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 was recognised for the sustainable design and construction practices that informed project delivery and has produced a future-proofed transport system for Western Sydney.
Project Director Craig Patterson accepted the award on behalf of the project team.
“From the outset, the Parramatta Light Rail project team has been focused on delivering positive environmental, social and economic outcomes,” Patterson said.
“The result is that we have created a light rail that will benefit the local community and the lessons learned will lead the way for other infrastructure projects to place sustainability at the forefront.”
Stage 1 initiatives that contributed to the recognition included:
- an award-winning green track – the first of its kind for a light rail project in NSW
- reducing carbon emissions by more than 80,000 tonnes during early and infrastructure works
- the revitalisation of Parramatta’s Church Street dining and entertainment precinct with new greenery and outdoor dining options along a shared pedestrian and light rail zone
- a 5.7-kilometre shared walking and bike riding path from Carlingford to Tramway Avenue in Parramatta, which was delivered as part of the project
- a comprehensive business activation strategy to support small businesses along the alignment before and during major construction work. Initiatives have included events, activities, ‘shop local’ advertising, social media campaigns, an annual Restaurant Guide and more.
The project won last year’s state awards, which enabled it to progress to the national awards.
The Banksia National Sustainability Awards are Australia’s longest running and most prestigious sustainability awards.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is nearing completion with the first test tram running along the 6.6 kilometre track from the stabling facility in Camellia, through Parramatta Square, along Church St, through the hospital precinct, to its final stop at Westmead.
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