A radical proposal to extend light rail along Parramatta and Victoria roads, demolish decaying buildings and turn used car yards into medium-density dwellings has been put forward to address Sydney’s housing affordability crisis.
Housing Industry Association NSW executive director David Bare said expanding light rail would attract investment in housing and reduce dependency on cars. “It’s complicated as it crosses six different councils, but it’s a part of our focus on increasing density in good locations, with already well-established public infrastructure and proximity to jobs, healthcare and schools,” he said.
“I’ve lost count of how many times the revitalisation of Parramatta and Victoria Roads has been floated and talked about,” he said. “None of the ingredients needed to make it happen – kerbside parking, public transport and mixed development – have ever been delivered by state governments.