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15 February 2024
Designs on show for rail trail into Sydney's Olympic Park

A project to revive an abandoned corridor through western Sydney is showing exciting progress, as the local council shares draft designs for rail trail dedicated to walking and bike riding.

The proposed $770,000 Pippita Rail Trail will connect Lidcombe Train Station and Sydney Olympic Park via the former Abattoir Branch Railway line, which once serviced the abattoirs and saleyards where Olympic Park is now located.

The transformation of the disused rail corridor into a route for active transport will offer more than 20,000 residents new ways to enjoy the area’s local parks and public spaces.

In addition to 2km of shared path within the former rail alignment, there will be around 500m of separated, on-road bi-directional bike path to connect with Lidcombe Station.

Draft designs for the 2.4km route include restoration of historical railway bridges, the use of 100% native plant species and a target of a 30% tree canopy cover. The designs also aim to celebrate the history of the corridor through art installations, wayfinding and design elements that honour its industrial past.

Cumberland Council signed off on a feasibility study for the project in 2020, and it was then funded through the NSW Get Active program in August 2022.

The council has now put the masterplan for the Pippita Rail Trail on exhibition and is inviting the public to comment. If you live in or travel through the area, you’re encouraged to share your thoughts on the consultation page here.

The council is also planning a series of information sessions at the following times and locations:

  • Lidcombe Community Centre - 3:30 - 5:30pm Saturday 17 February
  • Lidcombe Train Station – 4:00 - 6:00pm Thursday 22 February
  • Lidcombe Train Station – 11:00am - 1:00pm Saturday 2 March

“As part of Council’s long term strategic vision for Cumberland, the Pippita Rail Trail will offer a unique opportunity for cycling or walking directly from Lidcombe to Sydney Olympic Park, allowing residents and visitors to explore our outdoor spaces, socialise and discover our local history along the way," says Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake.

I invite and encourage all community members to take some time to look over this exciting masterplan and concept designs, as your valuable feedback will help shape this exciting project.”

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