Most people walk right past architect Phillip Arnold’s new award-nominated pavilion in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. And that’s by design.
A NSW Liberal minister has warned that the federal government’s reluctance to fund a transport project could jeopardise two key federal seats.
David Elliott has attacked ministerial colleague Geoff Lee over his call for Commonwealth funding for the second stage of the Parramatta light rail project.
“Why doesn’t the federal government help? These things are always supported,but they don’t show us the money,” said state MP Geoff Lee.
Thousands of people have moved to the affected areas with the promise of public transport.
Transport Minister David Elliott said construction equipment would be removed from Church Street in Parramatta by Easter as work begins on the final segment of the light rail line.
The NSW transport agency is in talks about the “option of a mixed fleet operation” for the inner west and the CBD and eastern suburbs light rail lines.
The original fleet was put out of service when extensive cracking was discovered in the vehicles.
The new Transport Minister’s position on the project has prompted the Opposition to accuse the government of breaking an election promise.
Businesses say fast-growing suburbs along the route of the line will be distressed to learn that the project is “still uncertain”.
Trams from the CBD will supplement the reopened line – from Central to Lilyfield only for the first few months – until all 12 cracked trams are repaired by next October.