Last week we welcomed the NSW Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian's announcement that the $1.6 billion CBD and South East Light Rail had been approved for construction.

We've been working hard and lobbying to bring light rail to Randwick for many years, so it's very satisfying to see the State Government also recognises the benefits that light rail will bring for our local area, including for the millions who travel to our hospitals, the University of NSW, Royal Randwick Racecourse, the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Sydney Football Stadium and the Centennial Parklands.

Although the project has now been approved, there will be challenges ahead for our local residents and businesses during construction.  I want to reassure our local residents that it is Council's number one priority to help minimise the impact of construction.  But I know that for some short term pain, there'll be long term gain.

We are working closely with Transport for NSW and we have also announced our own comprehensive support package, where we plan to invest up to $68 million over five years to address key concerns such as parking, traffic management and pedestrian safety.

The light rail service is expected to be open and operational in 2019 or 2020.

Details on Randwick City Council's $68 million support plan can be found at Light Rail to Randwick.

Councillor Scott Nash
Mayor of Randwick          @randwickmayor