WSROC claim new airport metro line will not local service community needs

They argue that this will not serve the needs of the local community.

"I am disappointed that this 23-kilometre rail link, which promises to service Greater Western Sydney, only has four stops," said WSROC President and Hawkesbury City Councillor Barry Calvert.

"In lobbying for a north-south rail link, councils were clear that the purpose was to boost intra-regional connectivity and economic development in Greater Western Sydney.

"The fact there are only two stops between St Marys and Badgerys Creek demonstrates that the Metro's primary aim is to get travellers to the new airport as quickly as possible rather than connecting communities with opportunities."

Cr Calvert said the government should remember that railway stations, and not the lines between them, are the catalysts for investment, jobs and liveable communities.

"At present, the Airport link does not serve Western Sydney economically or socially," he said. "The proposed route does not connect communities such as Glenmore Park, nor does it propose new stations which could facilitate brand new communities with rail links from day one.

"The 23-kilometre Western Sydney Airport Metro line is the same length as the route between Central to Parramatta. The latter accommodates 18 rail stations.

"Even a modest 10 railway stations between St Marys and Badgerys Creek would open-up significant opportunity to plan commercial and town centres, schools, health facilities and villages in close proximity to public transport.

"The town centres surrounding these stations could easily deliver 20,000 jobs collectively - almost as many as Western Sydney Airport is expected to generate, but in a much shorter time frame."

Cr Calvert said that some of the additional benefits of more stops would be the creation of a highly liveable corridor and the facilitation of walking and cycling as part of commute - dealing with the obesity and diabetes epidemic in Western Sydney.

"Investing in the Western Sydney Airport Metro line could lead to significant economic and liveability outcomes for Western Sydney, but this can only happen where there are opportunities to get on and off the train," he said.