Since late 2008, the Federal Government’s Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan invited state and territory governments to propose infrastructure projects for federal financial assistance. Presumably the NSW State Government had submitted a number of rail infrastructure projects for the Federal Government’s consideration for funding.

Given that in 2008/2009, the Parramatta-Chatswood Rail Link was already a very mature proposal with detailed plans, corridor reservations, and state and local governments’ concurrences, the Parramatta-Epping missing link by all accounts would have been considered a shovel-ready project which the Federal Government would have given higher priority over the CBD Metro and Western Metro. Moreover, the Parramatta-Epping missing link was less than half the cost of the CBD Metro and Western Metro.

On 15 April 2010, as Deputy Lord Mayor, I and my senior staff will be meeting Federal Ministers, including Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, at the Federal Community Cabinet. We have been granted the opportunity to discuss the Parramatta-Epping rail link, as well as other issues of concerns and proposals for assistance.

It then occurred to me. Did the NSW State Government even proposed the Parramatta-Epping missing rail link for consideration under the Federal Infrastructure Fund. After all, if so, then Parramatta can engage with the Infrastructure Federal Minister with an adjusted approach to win federal supportto fund the Parramatta-Epping missing rail link.

But what if the NSW State Government did not even ask that question. What if ...!

So, to answer that question, I wrote a letter to NSW Transport Minister, the Hon David Campbell MP. Either way, the answers would be most illuminating.

Click here to download a copy of Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Chiang Lim's letter to NSW Transport Minister, the Hon David Campbell MP about the Parramatta-Epping (missing) rail link.