Business Sydney Morning Tea
THE FUTURE OF SYDNEY'S LIGHT RAIL
With Dr Tim Williams, Cities Lead, Grimshaw Architecture + Planning
Sydney has an opportunity to tackle its housing supply challenge head-on with smart, city-shaping infrastructure.
A new study released by Business Sydney, in partnership with ALTRAC Light Rail, proposes extending the light rail from Kingsford to La Perouse, unlocking tens of thousands of new homes and strengthening connectivity across the south-east.
The proposed 8.5km extension could deliver up to 37,000 new homes, rising to more than 50,000 if the Long Bay precinct is redeveloped. This is about more than transport, it’s about building vibrant, well-connected communities along a corridor that is ready to grow.
Completing this “missing link” is a clear, practical step forward. It builds on the proven success of Sydney’s existing light rail network, which now carries more than 40 million passengers annually and has already attracted tens of billions in investment.
Importantly, this is infrastructure that can be delivered faster and more cost-effectively than heavy rail or Metro projects, while still providing high-capacity, reliable transport. With each light rail vehicle capable of carrying up to 450 passengers, the efficiency gains are significant.
The alignment along Anzac Parade is already there. The communities, from Kingsford through to Maroubra, Matraville, Malabar, Chifley, Little Bay and La Perouse, are already there. The opportunity to integrate seamlessly with existing transport, including a key interchange at Maroubra Junction, is clear.
At a time when the infrastructure pipeline is beginning to thin, this is not the moment for Sydney to succumb to “infrastructure fatigue.” This project is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment needed to maintain momentum, support jobs, and deliver the housing our city urgently needs.
Extending light rail to La Perouse is not just a transport project, it’s a catalyst for Sydney’s next phase of growth.
At this morning tea, Business Sydney launched its paper "Completing the La Perouse Light Rail Link; Unlocking Housing in Sydney's South-East".
Duncan Edghill, CEO, ALTRAC introduced facilitated a discussion with our expert speakers including Dr Tim Williams, Cities Lead, Grimshaw Architecture + Planning , The Hon. David Elliott, CEO, IPWEA (NSW & ACT), & Former NSW Transport Minister and Princess Ventura, Partner, Regional Director – NSW, Urbis.
The vote of thanks was moved by Penny Graham, Chair, ALTRAC Light Rail.
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