On public exhibition at the moment is Transport for NSW’s environmental impact statement for Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail.

Stage 2 will weave through Camellia, Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park and the Carter Street precinct in Lidcombe.

These stops will be over a 10km two-way track that will provide services every 7.5 minutes between 7am and 7pm on weekdays.

The project is a controlled action under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and will be assessed under the bilateral agreement between the NSW and Commonwealth governments.

Extending the Light Rail from Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park will serve some of Australia’s most densely-built communities, with many residents having bought apartments off-the-plan in these areas with the promise of a light rail.

With only $600m being committed by the NSW and Commonwealth governments for a bridge between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park, Stage 2 is unlikely to commence operating until at least 2031.

This is a huge blow for major residential developments, such as in Melrose Park – which is expected to house about 20,000 new residents once complete – as they will miss out on crucial transport infrastructure.

Community and business groups are lobbying for the NSW and Commonwealth governments to commit to fully funding the project.