02 October 2024
Renewed Canberra Railway Station and improved Canberra-Sydney rail service
A re-elected ACT Labor Government will partner with the NSW Government to renew Canberra Railway Station and improve train travel between Canberra and Sydney.
More people are choosing to travel by train in Canberra with more than 280,000 journeys made on the NSW TrainLink service in and out of Canberra in the past 12 months.
Both Governments are committed to making travel between the Canberra region and Sydney faster, easier and more comfortable for commuters and visitors on both sides of the border.
As part of our plan for the area, Labor will redevelop the station into a mixed- use transport, residential, retail and commercial precinct as part of the broader East Lake Place Plan.
This will create a mixed-use urban precinct that will cater to new local residents, businesses and visitors. Labor will also improve connections with the station precinct and Canberra’s bus network.
This project contributes to Labor’s plan of 30,000 more homes by 2030 and provides Canberrans with more housing options close to transport, employment and services.
To enhance train travel between Canberra and Sydney, we will establish an NSW/ACT cross-border working group to prioritise areas for improvement. The Working Group will focus on reducing travel times, growing patronage and ensuring the train service meets the needs of passengers.
With two Labor Governments working together, we have an opportunity to progress our vision for faster and easier train travel between Canberra and Sydney.
It’s all part of ACT Labor’s progressive, practical and proven plan for Canberra.
Attributable to Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales:
“The rail route between Canberra and Sydney is a critical line connecting families, workers and businesses across our state and territory – but we know it needs to be improved.
“That’s why we’re working with the ACT Labor Government to investigate key areas for improvement that would provide more reliable and faster journeys for commuters traveling between Canberra and Sydney.”
Attributable to Steve Whan, Member for Monaro and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education:
“The Canberra to Sydney rail route provides affordable, accessible, and an environmentally friendly alternative to driving to Sydney, and is frequently used by residents of Monaro. I welcome the commitment from the NSW and ACT governments to establishing a working group to improve user experience.
“I’ve spoken to many constituents of all ages, who feel as though this line hasn’t been given the attention it deserves. We know travel times and accessibility need improvement.
“I look forward to two progressive Labor governments working together on this important issue.”
Attributable to Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:
“The ACT and NSW Labor Governments are committed to improving rail connections between Canberra and Sydney.
“Our Cross Border Working Group will ensure faster, more reliable, and smoother rail journeys for all passengers are prioritised.
“We will ensure the Canberra-Sydney rail meets the needs of today's passengers and into the future.
“The mixed-use urban precinct will provide access to housing, education, health, opportunity and jobs, as well as improving accessibility and amenity for new residents.”
Attributable to Cr Kenrick Winchester, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
“This is a great project that will benefit residents in Queanbeyan and the surrounding region.
“Not only will it mean faster and easier travel for our community, it will encourage more people to travel to our region and experience all the great things we have to offer.”
Statement ends
Media contact:
Kaarin Dynon 0422 772 215 [email protected]
