The New South Wales Government has announced a light rail line from Westmead to Homebush via Parramatta as well as another light rail line to Carlingford.

NSW Premier Mike Baird said the new lines would create more jobs in western Sydney.

“We are bringing the light rail revolution here to Parramatta, here to western Sydney,” he said.

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“We’re also announcing a significant move of jobs from the CBD to the centre of Sydney, and certainly, Parramatta is the centre of the city.”

The four proposed options for the light rail project. Photo: ABC

The NSW Government had been considering four shortlisted routes for the light rail for more than a year.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the two new light rail lines would open up more of western Sydney.

“It’s very pleasing to announce a network and not a route,” he said.

“From Westmead Hospital to the Sydney Olympic Stadium, this is a win for everybody.

“Light rail can move 10,000 passengers per hour. We have the benefit of linking it to the hospital, through the CBD, to Parramatta and of course to other major development precincts along the route.”

Mr Constance said community groups in both areas had advocated for light rail.

“We did assess four particular routes and it’s very pleasing, given the advocacy that we’ve seen for both the Carlingford Line and the Sydney Olympic Park Strathfield line, that we’re able to implicate both of the groups that have been advocating in this regard.

“We’re going to see a major build happen very quickly.”

Premier Baird said the new light rail project would be of great benefit to western Sydney residents.

“Today is a fantastic day for the people of western Sydney, for the people of Parramatta,” he said.

“We are bringing the light rail revolution that is going across this great state, here to Parramatta, here to western Sydney.”