Parramatta. Possible funding for West Metro

Premier, Nathan Rees, has promised that funds raised from the sale of the state's electricity assets will be spent on transport infrastructure, fuelling speculation that the Government will announce funding for the $8 billion Western Metro project before the 2011 election. One senior source said the electricity sale would raise about $6 billion - not enough to build the rail line. Another said the announcement was vague. Alternatives could include funding the $10 billion M4 East or the M5 tunnel duplication.

Parramatta. Garrard goes against mayors

Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council, Paul Garrard, has rejected calls from fellow mayors at the Local Government and Shires Conference, in Tamworth, to scrap the CBD Metro while supporting claims that more money should be spent on developing other transport options in Sydney’s west. West Metro, stage two of the CBD Metro, connecting Sydney and the inner west to Parramatta and Westmead, would deliver improved infrastructure for Australia’s busiest transport corridor: “The CBD Metro is a key component in the development of a broader more effective rail network,” Cr Garrard said.