Statement regarding the Sydenham to Bankstown shutdown
Wednesday 25 September 2024
Sydenham to Bankstown Alliance (SBA)
Community Outcry Over Betrayal of Sydenham to Bankstown Commuters
The upcoming conversion of the Sydenham to Bankstown line into a metro system is causing considerable alarm among commuters who depend on this vital transport route. The impending shift from direct train services to bus services means many passengers could see their journey times double, severely impacting their daily routines and overall quality of life.
The most profound sense of betrayal is being felt by residents as local members of parliament shift their positions on this project. Jihad Dib, now Member for Bankstown, who once expressed scepticism about the conversion - stating, “the suitability of the metro on the T3 Bankstown Line is questionable”- has thrown his support behind the project. This abrupt change has left many constituents feeling abandoned, particularly those who have long relied on efficient rail services for their daily commutes.
Sophie Cotsis, Member for Canterbury, has similarly altered her stance, now backing a project that she once criticised. She has previously stated, “even if the Sydenham-Bankstown line conversion delivers the benefits the government has promised, the overall quality of life for local residents will suffer.” Many commuters echo her sentiments, fearing that promises of improved efficiency will not compensate for the loss of direct train services to City Circle, Redfern, and Liverpool as well as the added burden of bus travel.
The impacts of this conversion extend beyond individual commuters with the construction phase of the Metro Southwest project is likely to disrupt daily life significantly, with construction vehicles and added road congestion exacerbating commuting challenges.
Local businesses, too, are voicing their concerns about diminished foot traffic during construction, which could threaten their viability and impact the local economy.
Adding to the growing community unease, the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into the Sydenham-Bankstown line conversion (2019-20) deemed the project unjustified, recommending that the full business case be released for public scrutiny. This inquiry has underscored the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the need for accountability from elected officials. Commuters are demanding answers and clarity on how such significant alterations to their transport services were deemed acceptable.
Moreover, the ambitious rezoning plans along the Metro Southwest line raise concerns about over-development, which many fears may prioritise commercial interests at the expense of community needs. Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill and now Minister for Transport, has previously voiced this concern, stating, “Metro Southwest is nothing more than a trojan horse for development along the line.” This focus on development over genuine public transport improvements has left residents feeling they have been ignored in favour of profit-driven motives.
As the 12 to 15 month shutdown of the T3 Bankstown Line approaches, it is critical for local leaders to reassess their support for a plan that jeopardises the daily lives of Sydenham to Bankstown commuters. The future of this essential transport link should reflect the interests of the people who rely on it, rather than the ambitions of developers and shifting political agendas.
The downgrading of Sydenham to Bankstown into Metro also isolates commuters from Birrong and Yagoona as both stations will permanently be without train services to Central.
Commuters and local stakeholders are calling for immediate action and a renewed commitment from their representatives to advocate for public transport solutions that truly benefit the community. It is time for local MPs to listen to their constituents and prioritise the needs of those who depend on this critical rail service.
For more information, please contact the Sydenham to Bankstown Alliance (SBA).
Website: www.sydbankalliance.com
Email: sydballiance@hotmail.com