In another blow,the program director for Parramatta light rail,Tim Poole,left his role several weeks ago for a position as chief operating officer at the delivery authority responsible for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis,a precinct next to the new airport under construction at Badgerys Creek.
The second stage of the light rail line,which was planned to extend for nine kilometres,has been complicated by the government's ambitious plans for a $20 billion-plus metro rail line between Parramatta and the central city.
The government is under pressure to fund a second wave of transport projects – costing tens of billions of dollars – it has promised,including Sydney Metro West and another metro rail line from St Marys to the airport at Badgerys. The latter is due to be completed by 2026.
Cabinet is due to consider the final route for Sydney Metro West in the next two weeks.
Transport for NSW said a"number of contractors"had completed their roles on the second stage of the Parramatta light rail project,while a"small number"of the agency's staff had been been redeployed.