Council’s bold transport plan reviewed

Improved access is one step closer in Australia’s original innovation district. Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District has welcomed the City of Ryde Council’s bold draft Integrated Transport Strategy in a detailed consultation submission on behalf of our members.

The new strategy identifies what infrastructure will be needed to accommodate significant growth in our area over the next 20 years. It focuses on Macquarie Park as a major trip generator in Ryde, and includes in-depth data about commuter behaviour which was provided by us here at Connect MPID.

The majority of the 58 priority projects identified in the strategy will benefit Macquarie Park and North Ryde, including proposals for a light rail line from Macquarie University to North Ryde, Epping to Macquarie Park bus lanes, and a comprehensive walking and cycling network.

Connect MPID General Manager, Mark Ames, agrees with the need for significant improvements and a robust accessibility plan:

"Connect MPID works with the leading employers, landowners and institutions in Macquarie Park, and those members consistently tell us how important access to the best talent is to them, and why access will be the enabler of growth in Macquarie Park in the future."

"Connect MPID was proud to provide data on how Macquarie Park people travel to help inform this draft integrated transport strategy, and we look forward to seeing its 58 priorities taken forwards."

"From more bike lanes to Metro lines, improvements to access will continue to be a key issue for Macquarie Park that will require attention and careful coordination for the foreseeable future."

Connect MPID analysed the draft strategy, and responded to the Council’s public consultation on behalf of its members. In that submission , Connect MPID called out the need to prioritise several projects proposed by both State and Local Government to provide new connections between Parramatta, Macquarie Park and the Northern Beaches.

“The Parramatta <> Macquaire Park <> Mona Vale access alignment must be prioritised today to keep Macquarie Park moving tomorrow.

We welcome the synergy between Council and State Government to boost the rail network on this alignment, but that will take time.

Efforts in this area can be expedited with planning and delivery of rapid bus services within the near term, while parallel but long-term planning for rail provision takes place with a clear timetable for delivery in the future.”

Submissions closed in February and a final Integrated Transport Strategy is expected in mid-2022 following endorsement from Council.