Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council ( WSROC ), the peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney , has welcomed a research report urging government to take greater advantage of future transport hub opportunities in Greater Western Sydney — notably with a rail extension through to the new international airport at Badgerys Creek .

Since the 1990s , WSROC has been advocating for a north-south rail link to open access to opportunities associated with the aerotropolis development , such as affordable housing and jobs .

The need for a rail link is becoming more pressing with unprecedented growth in the region , and an extra one million people expected to live in Western Sydney by 2036 .

Commissioned by the Urban Development Institute of Australia ( UDIA ), the research report was prepared by eminent civil engineer and transportation analyst , Professor David Levinson from the University of Sydney .

Professor Levinson ’ s report was made public by the UDA on Friday ( 14 October ).

“ Successful global cities deliver city shaping transport with integrated city planning outcomes ,’’ Steve Mann , the CEO of UDIA , was quoted as saying .

“ To ensure that we get it right in NSW

requires a new approach to business cases , where accessibility to jobs , schools , hospitals , and amenities is planned at the same time as the rail .

“ If we support the growth of Transit Oriented Development we can create great places , which maximise walkability from homes to railway stations ,’’ Mr Mann said .

A scoping study into rail investment to service Western Sydney and the proposed Western Sydney Airport was announced by the New South Wales and Australian governments in November 2015 .

The study ’ s final report was released in March 2018 and included a proposal to build a ‘ North-South Link ’ from Schofields , north west of Sydney , to Macarthur , in Sydney ’ s south west , via the new airport . “ The Western Sydney Airport metro line should be viewed as an essential piece of the city-shaping north-south rail link ,” said WSROC President , Councillor Barry Calvert .

“ When complete , a north-south rail link would connect Schofields in the north with Campbelltown and Liverpool in the south , serving both established and new communities in the growth corridors in between .

“ By 2036 , more than half of Sydney ’ s population will live west of Parramatta .

“ Such a crucial rail link would be a key

piece in connecting the planning vision for the growing region ’ s current and future liveability .

“ One of the biggest challenges for Sydney is the struggle to retrofit transport corridors , after the demand for services has already exceeded existing infrastructure .

“ Western Sydney ’ s story is already one of road dependence . A daily exodus of more than 300,000 residents endures Greater Sydney ’ s longest commute , mostly by car .

“ By 2036 , with an extra one million residents this number will have increased to over 400,000 .

“ The present lack of prioritisation of a north-south rail link is even now failing to provide better liveability outcomes for those transport-disadvantaged communities that stretch from the Hawkesbury to Campbelltown .

“ The link between St Marys and the new airport is just that , a link that will do very little to substantially improve intra-regional connectivity . “ Professor Levinson ’ s

research confirms what WSROC has been saying for over 30 years .

“ If we do not have a wholistic approach to transport planning with integrated land use planning based on accessibility , we will erode Sydney ’ s global competitiveness for housing affordability , cost of living and liveability .

“ If we want to address the housing shortage and improve affordability , we will need to significantly boost new dwelling commencements and momentum in both the apartment and greenfield supply pipelines , with transport and land use planning integrated .”