There was major progress this week on a large scale rail infrastructure project set to transform Sydney's North West.
The NSW government announced yesterday (June 25) that a $1.15 billion contract had been awarded for the tunnelling work to commence next year on the North West Rail Link.
The contract went to a Thiess John Holland Dragados joint venture and will see four massive tunnel boring machines - each the length of two A380 airliners (140m) - put to work digging the twin 15km tunnels between Bella Vista and Epping.
It will also involve excavation work for the five new stations along the tunnel routes - Bella Vista, Norwest, Showground, Castle Hill and Cherrybrook.
NSW premier Barry O'Farrell said that with this contract signed, the project had "now passed the point of no return".
"The people of the North West have waited far too long for this historic day - now it's all hands on deck as we deliver Australia's biggest public transport infrastructure project," said Mr O'Farrell in a statement.
The first tunnel boring machine is expected to be in the ground by the end of next year, and all four should have finished work in the first half of 2017, with the rail link predicted to be opened by the end of 2019.
Minister for transport Gladys Berejiklian said it was full steam ahead on the project, and stressed that it would bring many benefits for the city.
"The awarding of this contract also heralds the beginning of a new high capacity rapid transit network for Sydney which will eventually include a new line through the CBD and beyond," said Ms Berejiklian.
Urban Taskforce Australia welcomed news that the tunnelling contract had been awarded.
"Certainty is critical to the provision of infrastructure so that the private sector can develop housing related to the infrastructure," said Urban Taskforce chief executive Chris Johnson in a statement.
Mr Johnson called for the government to now make the areas around each of the new rail stations along the rail link into Urban Activation Precincts.
These are areas where the government works together with local communities and councils to deliver more residential dwellings close to transport infrastructure, services and jobs.
"To help stimulate more housing supply, expressions of interest should be called [for] from land owners within these areas to begin the planning process," Mr Johnson said.
"The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the government and the North West Rail Team to ensure that development options along the rail route are maximised."
The $8.3 billion North West Rail Link is Australia's biggest ever public transport infrastructure project.
It is expected to deliver over $35 billion worth of economic benefits to NSW over the decades to come.
In a first for Australia, the trains used on the link will be driverless and fully-automated, ensuring they run on time, and also will have advanced safety and security features.
In March, the NSW government announced that 27,400 new homes and 49.500 new jobs would be created in centres around the new stations to be built for the North West Rail Link.
If you are thinking about buying or investing in Sydney property, the North West could be a region to watch.
With improved public transport on the horizon as well as a boost to residential housing supply, it could be in for some heavy market action.
When considering where might be a good place to make your home, or to invest in property assets, it is a good idea to investigate any future plans for infrastructure development - they can provide a window into what the future holds.
