The first industry briefing for the Parramatta Light Rail project was held on Monday.

The industry briefing comes ahead of a request for public input and broader consultation with industry and other stakeholders.

Monday's briefing was centred around informing industry participants on potential avenues for contribution to the Parramatta Light Rail project.

At over 20km long, the Parramatta Light Rail is central to Sydney's ability to handle future population growth. By 2036, more half of Sydney's population is projected to live in the Western suburbs. As a result, Parramatta's public transport infrastructure needs significant upgrades in order to handle increased numbers of passengers.

The Parramatta Light Rail project will be a significant step towards making Parramatta a "second CBD" for Sydney. It will boast high frequency services, every day of the week, with good connections to buses, standard rail and ferry networks.

Once completed, the Parramatta Light Rail will connect Parramatta, Westmead, Olympic Park, Carlingford, Camellia and Strathfield. The exact route is yet to determined, although it will clearly travel through the pre-determined destinations.

Later this year, NSW Transport will open up the consultation process to the public. In early 2017, the Environmental Impact Statement will be developed.

"Procurement for plant and equipment will take place in late 2017, and construction is expected to begin in mid to late 2018."

Public input will play a significant factor in the decision around the exact route that the Parramatta Light Rail will take.

Funding for the project is yet to be fully secured. Currently, the NSW Government has allocated $1 billion, with further sources of capital being explored. A new levy (code word for tax) will be applied to new residential developments in the zones served by the Parramatta Light Rail. This tax, the Special Infrastructure Contribution, is just one of the avenues being explored to help pay for the project.

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Sources: Construction Industry News, NSW Transport.