No light rail and parade clash

New Mardi Gras (NMG) is making sure the needs of the Mardi Gras parade will be taken into account in NSW Government plans to run light rail on Oxford St. The City of Sydney supports the plan.

Before the election, then Opposition transport spokeswoman Gladys Berejiklian announced plans for a light rail line connecting Circular Quay to the University of Sydney, with the most likely route running up Oxford St to turn at Taylor Square on to Flinders St and then down Anzac Parade.

Mardi Gras parade producer Vicktor Petroff told the Star Observer that NMG had discussed its concerns with the City of Sydney in a meeting last month.

“It is still early stages in terms of the plan but they were very clear about the importance of the parade to the local economy, not only for our own community but for the rest of the city,” Petroff said.

“They’re aware that the rail plans cannot impact the parade so they won’t place platforms and associated infrastructure in ways that would mean the parade can’t happen. I’m comfortable that the City of Sydney is aware of the parade and what it needs to go up that street.”