THE Mayor of The Hills, Peter Dimbrowsky, has hit back at Castle Hill MP Michael Richardson's suggestion that one of the stations on the North-West rail line be cut to save unnecessary costs.
Cr Dimbrowsky said The Hills Centre station was absolutely vital.
``In fact, the council position is that we're advocating an extra two stations at Norwest Business Park and Samantha Riley Drive,'' he said. ``We don't believe a railway line should be built but the stations not built.
``We don't want people to drive to Castle Hill and park there to catch the train. It'd clog up the CBD. We want them to drive to The Hills Centre where a new, multi-level car park will be built.''
The Epping-to-Rouse Hill line will have six underground stations: Franklin Road at Cherrybrook, Castle Hill, The Hills Centre, Norwest Business Park, Burns Road near Kellyville and Rouse Hill.
The State Government plans to start work in 2017 and estimates it will be completed by 2024.
Mr Richardson said he couldn't understand how the cost to build the line grew from $3.4billion for the North-West Metro in 2006 to $6.7 billion when it was announced as a heavy rail link in February this year.
``This will be the most expensive railway line in the world,'' Mr Richardson said. ``The more expensive the line is, the less likely it will ever be built. I'm fearful if we have another economic crisis it'll be put back again.
``The Government must start looking at ways of cutting costs.''
He said there were no homes on the northern side of Carrington Road and it was vital to preserve the Castle Hill Showground, Hills Centre and Council Chambers. ``The environment impact statement said it would be the lowest patronised station, with about 7000 people a day. If money is going to be an issue we need to consider whether building The Hills Centre station is a must.''
Mr Richardson said underground stations cost 10 times as much as above-ground stations.
``The Government needs to look at whether it's possible to put stations above the ground in certain spots, particularly at Burns Road where the line is above ground but the station is underground. This could save between $300million and $500million.''
But Cr Dimbrowsky said the stations could not be built above ground because of the topography of the area. ``It's The Hills!'' Cr Dimbrowsky said. ``Show me one good-looking railway station that's above ground and I'll believe his argument.''
Mr Richardson said a Liberal government would set up an organisation, Infrastructure NSW, to investigate and assess how to reduce unnecessary costs with major projects.
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