By Jenna Daroczy, Parramatta Sun, 3 March 2011

The Parramatta to Epping rail link could take up to 6000 commuters to Parramatta off the roads every day.

Census statistics show nearly 7 per cent of the workforce commuting to Parramatta comes from Hornsby and Ryde, which would be provided with direct rail links to Parramatta via the new line.

While Premier Kristina Keneally signed federal funding contracts for the project last week, Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell is refusing to commit to the project.

He says priority should be given to the north-west rail link, connecting Rouse Hill and the Hills Centre to Epping.

An even higher percentage of people working in Parramatta come from the Baulkham Hills area — 10.4 per cent — but once at Epping would have no line connection to Parramatta.

Parramatta Liberal candidate Geoff Lee says he is lobbying his leader to change his mind about the rail link to get more cars off the roads leading into and out of Parramatta.

The council will next week renew their lobbying efforts to secure the future of the rail link, making the argument front and centre of its "Parramatta: Australia's Next CBD" economic forum next Tuesday, March 8, where both Ms Keneally and Mr O'Farrell will be keynote speakers.

Lord mayor John Chedid said he "looked forward to this matter being examined in greater detail by the transport experts and political representatives on the day".

He said the new line would also open more doors for employers looking to move from the Sydney CBD but concerned about north Sydney employees commuting.

"Parramatta is the home to the country's sixth biggest CBD and gateway to one of the fastest growing regions in the country," he said.

"It is crucial that we have direct transport links to the business in Macquarie Park and north Sydney, and the workers on the North Shore, to support our continued growth."

The top 10 areas Parramatta workers come from:

Parramatta .............. 18%

Blacktown ............ 14.1%

Hills Centre/Baulkham Hills ..................... 10.4%

Holroyd/Merrylands 7.4%

Penrith ................... 6.6%

Fairfield................. . 4.4%

Hornsby .................. 4.1%

Liverpool................. 3.2%

Bankstown.............. 2.7%

Ryde/West Ryde...... 2.7%

THE STATS:

* 82% of Parramatta’s workforce comes from outside Parramatta 

[Click here for the original article from the Parramatta Sun.]