All quiet on the western line…for now

Dozens of locals gathered on the weekend for the re-opening of Shields Playground on Darley Road in Leichhardt after a $65,000, Council-funded refurbishment.

But as toddlers enjoyed the new play equipment and parents relaxed in the enclosed playground area, Leichhardt Mayor Jamie Parker outlined concerns about the State Government’s plans for the disused train line that runs immediately behind the park.

Opening the playground, Cr Parker told parents that the train line occupies land which forms a vital component of the Council’s proposal to extend existing light rail services as far as Dulwich Hill.

But the government is planning to re-commission the train line to transport rocks from the main construction site of the West Metro at Lambert Park.

“The government is proposing that this become a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week spoil removal track,” he said.

“That’s not going to give much joy to people for three years, to have this used while [they] live along here.”

His concerns were echoed by locals on the day.

Cheryl Bennett, who lives alongside the train line, said the Government’s plan to convert it into a busy transport route would cause a massive disruption to residents.

“I’d rather they put in a light rail or left it alone,” she said. “There’s a lot of residents who are right on that railway line. You’ve got bedroom windows and everything over that side.”

Cr Parker also questioned about the State Government’s long-term intentions for the train line, following recent changes to legislation which would allow it to sell public infrastructure, including disused train lines, without reference to parliament.

“That obviously is a concern for us because this is prime land along here which we would rather keep for transport infrastructure, rather than residential development or industrial or anything else,” he said.

“I think it’s just crazy and obviously it’s just another reason why the community has to be vigilant and the community’s got to be really on top of this issue.”

Cr Parker said that the State Government’s refusal to fund a $250,000 feasibility study examining the viability of light rail in the area was indicative of its lack of support for light rail as a public transport solution.

“Out of a $54 billion state budget, they’ve said they will kick in $50,000 [for the feasibility study]” he said.

“And they asked councils like Marrickville, with an $18 million budget, to kick in $50,000.”

He said the City of Sydney, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield councils had called the government’s bluff and agreed to fund the study.

The newly formed Feasibility Study Committee will hold its first meeting over the next few weeks, when it will examine potential options for light rail extensions in Sydney.

In the meantime, Parker said he would convene a meeting with the Mayors of Ashfield, Marrickville and the City of Sydney to work on a strategy for the light rail campaign.

“Every single councillor on all of those councils, Labor, Liberal, Green, independent, all want light rail,” he said.

by Chris Paver