A proposed north-south rail connection linking key growth areas across Western Sydney has been included on Infrastructure Australia’s 2026 Infrastructure Priority List.
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) President, Councillor Brad Bunting, welcomed the listing and said it represented an important step toward improving connectivity across the region.
The proposed line would connect St Marys to Tallawong, with rail links from Bradfield to Leppington and Macarthur, forming a major transport spine across the region.
Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List provides independent, evidence-based advice to the Federal Government on nationally significant infrastructure proposals for potential investment over the next decade.
“We welcome the inclusion of the north–south rail connection on the Infrastructure Australia 2026 Infrastructure Priority List as a significant step toward delivering the transport connections Western Sydney needs,” Bunting said.
“A north–south rail link is vital to connect the north-west, west and south-west of Sydney and to support the long-term growth of the region.”
Bunting said the listing highlighted the national significance of Western Sydney as a centre of population growth, economic activity and infrastructure investment.
“Western Sydney is home to some of the fastest-growing communities in the country and hosts Australia’s third-largest regional economy in terms of Gross Regional Product,” he said.
“Strong north-south rail connections are essential to link people with jobs, education and services across this rapidly growing region.”
He added that the corridor would also support the success of the new Western Sydney International Airport by improving access to emerging employment opportunities.
“The airport will transform Western Sydney’s economy, but its success depends on a well-connected public transport network,” Bunting said.
WSROC said the listing reinforces its long-standing call for an integrated transport network across Western Sydney and urged continued commitment from both the Federal and New South Wales Governments to plan, fund and deliver the full north-south rail network.
