Transport and infrastructure

Vehicles travelling along the M4 Motorway

 

Western Sydney has long experienced a backlog in transport infrastructure, especially public transport.

Nearly half of residents rely on their car to get to work, and on average, travel longer and further, at greater cost, than other Sydney residents. 

 

Investment in Western Sydney’s transport network is essential for: addressing cost-of-living pressures associated with fuel and tolls, supporting the development of local economies, improving access to services for vulnerable groups, as well as meeting federal and state Net Zero targets.  

 

Priority projects include: 

  • Accelerated delivery of North South Metro between Tallawong and Campbelltown.
  • Completion of the Leppington extension to Western Sydney Airport.
  • Duplication of the T1 Rail Line between Schofields and Richmond.
  • Improved capacity and reliability existing rail lines.
  • Increasing the frequency and reliability of local bus networks (not just T-ways) so that public transport becomes a viable alternative to driving.
  • Investing in climate adaptation of public transport including provision of shading and water at stations and stops. 
  • Reforming NSW tolling system to ensure residents without access to public transport are not disadvantaged. This should include: toll caps, toll harmonisation and regulation of tolling increases.
  • Supporting the transition to low-emissions transport, including charging infrastructure rollout, and support for private and public EV uptake.
  • Minimise impacts of Western Sydney International Airport. 

 

Public transport 

WSROC has welcomed recent investments in projects including the North West Metro, South West Metro, and Parramatta Light Rail, however these projects only scratch the surface of the region’s needs; with many public transport deserts remaining.  

A report commissioned by WSROC in 2016, found that only 20 per cent of Greater Western Sydney residents lived within a walkable distance (800m) of a rail stationi, with the lowest levels of access in Penrith, Blacktown and Liverpool where fewer than 10% of residents lived within a walkable distance of rail. These gaps have likely worsened with growth in the North and South West Growth Areas. This isn’t good for congestion, it isn’t good for liveability, and it isn’t good for the Western Sydney economy. 

In addition to limited coverage, many bus and rail links suffer from a lack of capacity, frequency and reliability – all of which limit access and uptake.  

 

Western Sydney Airport

Western Sydney Airport is one of the most significant infrastructure projects of our time. WSROC councils agree that work is needed to ensure the project provides the possible outcomes for local communities whilst minimising impacts.  WSROC has led three joint-technical reviews in partnership with councils across Greater Western Sydney – the only organisation to do so. For more information, follow the link.

 

Toll road reform

WSROC’s campaign for a fairer NSW tolling system commenced in 2015 and has spanned four NSW Premiers, and three state inquiries. WSROC has been successful in driving changes including rego rebates, pricing reviews, and reinvestment of WestConnex proceeds into our region’s infrastructure.  

In 2024, the NSW Government finally delivered on a $60 weekly toll cap to reduce costs for motorists and in 2025, established Motorways NSW, an independent entity tasked with advocating for communities and reviewing governance of our state's toll roads. 

 

Transport reliability, safety and resilience

Finally, a critical issue for Western Sydney’s public transport network is the need to adapt to our changing climate; particularly extreme heat, rainfall and storms. This includes ensuring adequate operational thresholds for infrastructure, ensuring new infrastructure does not worsen the urban heat island effect, and using shading, water and cooling to keep communities safe while travelling. 

 

Policy

To download a complete copy of WSROC’s Policy Paper: Transport, follow the link.

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Further information:

• WSROC Submission to the Western Sydney International Airport Draft Masterplan (September 2025)

• Western Sydney International Airport Review of the Health Component of the Airspace and Flight Path Design draft EIS (January 2024)

• Submission In Response to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport Preliminary Flight Paths (January 2024)

• Western Sydney International Airport Flight Path EIS – Acoustic Peer Review (2023)

• Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry on Current and Future Transport Needs of Western Sydney (Sep 2023)

• Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Road Tolling Regimes (May 2021)

• Western Sydney Electric Vehicle Roadmap 2022 - 2030

• Western Sydney Jobs and Public Transport Deficit Report (Sep 2016)

• WSROC - Review of Western Sydney Airport Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Part A Final (26 November 2015)

• WSROC - Review of Western Sydney Airport Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Part B Final (19 November 2015)