The Southwest metro conversion has been delayed to 2026, with Transport Minister Joh  Graham staying mum on an opening date. Meanwhile, his predecessor Andrew Constance is seeking a new role in council politics.

Council of the City of Sydney

The South-west Metro project in Sydney, which involves converting the T3 heavy rail line to metro rails, has been delayed. The trip from Bankstown to Pitt Street is expected to be 15 minutes faster once completed, but the opening has been pushed from the original 2024 target to sometime in 2026, with no firm date announced. The delay has drawn criticism from the opposition, who claim the government has lost control of the project.

Meanwhile, former transport minister Andrew Constance, who helped announce the project over a decade ago, is now seeking a new position as CEO of Shoalhaven City Council. The role offers a remuneration package exceeding $400,000. Constance has not commented on his application for the position.

Bankstown Metro conversion project delayed to 2026

It was look, but don't touch. Don't press any buttons, don't touch anything. During show and tell of the big build at Bankstown. We're showing the people of Bankstown that the change is coming, the hype is real. Computer generated glimpses of a commuter concourse and a plaza that will provide access to the platforms. This really will be the gateway for the southwest into the city. After converting the T3 heavy rail track to metro rails, the trip from Bankstown to Pitt Street will take about half an hour, 15 minutes faster. Future savings after delays now. It was originally slated to open in 2024. Now it's sometime in 2026. I don't want to announce the date because if we don't meet it, people are understandably unhappy about it. Well, the fact that the Premier can't tell us an opening date for this project demonstrates that the government has lost control of the project. This metro conversion has been a long time coming for the southwest. It was first announced more than a decade ago by then Premier Mike Baird and former Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who is trying to make a big change of his own. 10 News understands Constance is pursuing his first move into local government after multiple unsuccessful shots at federal parliament. The South Coast resident applying for the CEO position at Shoalhaven City Council. According to the applicant pack, the job has a total remuneration package of in excess of $400,000, which is in line with the Premier's pay packet. While under the essential selection criteria, direct local government experience is desirable and they want someone who is politically astute with an ability to effectively engage with elected members. Constance did not engage with our request for comment today. Lachlan Kennedy, 10 News.

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New York

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As Suwayda

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