Monday, April 6, 2026

Penrith Council welcomes north-south rail inclusion on Infrastructure Priority List

Penrith City Council has applauded the inclusion of full length north-south rail on Infrastructure Australia’s 2026 Infrastructure Priority List.

Mayor, Todd Carney (pictured) said that with the opening of Western Sydney International Airport just months away, it is critical that attention shifts to the next infrastructure steps for the region.

“Penrith Council has advocated long and hard for full length north-south rail,” Mayor Carney said.

“We are delighted that a Sydney rail connection from Tallawong to St Marys and rail connections from Bradfield to Leppington and Macarthur are now on the Infrastructure Priority List.

“However, they are among 60-odd other projects on that list. We now need funding commitment from Government to prepare for delivery.”

Mayor Carney said that to enable Greater Sydney to grow sustainably, Western Sydney needs clear transport connections.

“Right now, Western Sydney is super-charged by the unprecedented investment in infrastructure, the development of new and renewed communities and economic hubs, and the evolution of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis,” he said.

“However, it needs to be fully connected to enable a thriving community that can access the opportunities of growth and change, and ultimately for the region to fulfil its economic role in NSW and Australia.

“We must push on at pace to deliver other vital infrastructure if we are to realise the extraordinary potential of Western Sydney and top of the list has to be north-south rail connecting the entire region.

“I recognise that significant funds have been committed, and business case work is underway on the potential future extensions of the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport line south from Bradfield and north from St Marys.

“But we need both Australian and NSW Governments to commit to funding for future delivery.”

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