HOMES will be acquired to make way for the Parramatta light rail line.

Parramatta residents were reportedly told some properties would need to be acquired in order for the light rail to go through the city at a Transport NSW briefing session last month.

North Parramatta Residents Action Group president Suzette Meade, who was among the 40 or so people at the meeting, said residents were told property acquisitions would need to take place even though the exact light rail route was not yet known.

“The light rail team was advising that as the streets in Parramatta are very narrow there would naturally be some compulsory home acquisitions if it were to come through the Cumberland Hospital grounds from Westmead precinct,” Ms Meade said.

media_camera The exact route is not yet known but will stretch from Parramatta to Strathfield.

She said people were “shocked to hear for the first time in such a flippant nature” that their homes could be taken from them.

“When (NPRAG) members asked for more details, we were told that they are still writing a business case to present to the government early next year on the route that will be chosen.”

The government in December announced its preferred network to link areas that are being transformed by government and private investment, including Westmead precinct, Parramatta North, Camellia, Telopea, Rydalmere, Sydney Olympic Park and Strathfield.

Ms Meade said the light rail team were unable to give any further details on possible home acquisition.

“The meeting got heated at this point as no details were been given. The residents were angry that no clear information was presented to them plus now they run the risk of losing their family homes for a service that hasn’t been asked for by the people of Parramatta,” she said.

media_camera The light rail will also stretch to Sydney Olympic Park.

The Transport NSW spokeswoman said light rail was designed to occupy existing road corridors, and whole or partial acquisition of property would only occur where this was not possible.

She said the department was working to identify a preferred route for the project with would be released next year.

“Once the light rail route has been finalised, Transport for NSW will allocate case managers to work directly with owners and tenants of properties that may be affected,” she said.

“Transport for NSW is committed to treating anyone affected by acquisitions fairly and respectfully in line with the improved property acquisition process announced by government in October.

The project is on schedule for construction to start in 2018.