The NSW Government’s decision to bring forward construction on the George Street section of the CBD light rail project is a win for local businesses, shoppers and visitors to Sydney, Tourism & Transport Australia (TTF) CEO Margy Osmond said today.

“Bringing forward the construction schedule is a sensible decision that will go a long way to reducing disruption on George St during the busy Christmas period,” Margy Osmond said.

“It’s great to see the Government has listened to the concerns of local business owners and is being flexible in its construction schedule.

“The important thing is that the CBD light rail project is constructed without delay.

“Governments have two choices with projects like this – to build as fast as possible with more intense periods of construction activity to reduce overall disruption to the city and our transport networks, or extend construction over a longer period to reduce localised impacts.

“In the long run, it is better to construct the light rail project as quickly as possible to ensure the burden on businesses and the community is for a shorter period.

“The CBD light rail is a major project that will not only transform Sydney’s public transport network; it will transform the way people interact with the city.

“With any great project comes disruption, but it’s encouraging to see the NSW Government is taking steps to ensure there is minimal inconvenience for those businesses along the route,” she said.