Chris Minns
Premier of New South Wales

Steve Whan
Member for Monaro

Jenny Aitchison
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

Kenrick Winchester
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Councillor

MEDIA RELEASE

Renewed Canberra Railway Station and improved Canberra-Sydney rail service

Wednesday, 2 October 2024

A re-elected ACT Labor Government will partner with the NSW Government to renew Canberra Railway Station and improve train travel between Canberra and Sydney.

More people are choosing to travel by train in Canberra with more than 280,000 journeys made on the NSW TrainLink service in and out of Canberra in the past 12 months.

Both Governments are committed to making travel between Canberra region and Sydney faster, easier and more comfortable for commuters and visitors on both sides of the border.

As part of our plan for the area, Labor will redevelop the station into a mixed - use transport, residential, retail and commercial precinct as part of the broader East Lake Place Plan.

This will create a mixed-use urban precinct that will cater to new local residents, businesses and visitors. Labor will also improve connections with the station precinct and Canberra's bus network.

This project contributes to Labor's plan of 30,000 more homes by 2030 and provides Canberrans with more housing options close to transport, employment and services.

To enhance train travel between Canberra and Sydney, we will establish an NSW/ACT cross-border working group to prioritise areas for improvement. The Working Group will focus on reducing travel times, growing patronage and ensuring the train service meets the needs of passengers.

With two Labor Governments working together, we have an opportunity to progress out vision for faster and easier train travel between Canberra and Sydney.

It's all part of ACT Labor's progressive, practical and proven plan for Canberra.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

"The rail route between Canberra and Sydney is a critical line connecting families, workers and businesses across out state and territory - but we know it needs to be improved.

"That's why we're working with the ACT Labor Government to investigate key areas for improvement that would provide more reliable and faster journeys for commuters traveling between Canberra and Sydney."

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

"The Canberra to Sydney rail route provides affordable, accessible, and an environmentally friendly alternative to driving to Sydney, and it frequently used by residents of Monaro. I welcome the commitment from the NSW and ACT governments to establishing a working group to improve used experience.

"I've spoken to many constituents of all ages, who feel as though this line hasn't been given the attention it deserves. We know travel times and accessibility need improvement.

"I look forward to two progressive Labor governments working together on this important issue."

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

"The ACT and NSW Labor Governments are committed to improving rail connections between Canberra and Sydney.

"Our Cross Border Working Group will ensure faster, more reliable, and smoother rail journeys for all passengers are prioritised. 

"We will ensure the Canberra-Sydney rail meets the needs of today's passengers and into the future.

"The mixed-use urban precinct will provide access to housing, education, health, opportunity and jobs, as well as improving accessibility and amenity for new residents."

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Councillor Kenrick Winchester said:

"This is a great project that will benefit residents in Queanbeyan and surrounding region.

"Not only will it mean faster and easier travel for our community, it will encourage more people to travel to our region and experience all the great things we have to offer."