CIVIC and business leaders fear new NSW Premier Kristina Keneally will shelve plans for improved transport to Parramatta.

Lord Mayor Paul Garrard and Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Trevor Oldfield have called on Ms Keneally to deliver on the State Government’s promise to the people of western Sydney for improved transport infrastructure, including the West Metro line.

“It is vital that Ms Keneally continue to drive the government’s transport plans, initiated by her predecessor Nathan Rees, which were vital to the future growth of Parramatta and western Sydney,’’ Cr Garrard said.

“Planning and initial works for the Sydney Metro project have already commenced and council has been looking forward to the announcement of funding for the West Metro, an underground rail network linking Westmead to the CBD and inner west.’’

Outgoing premier Nathan Rees said he was going to release the government’s transport blueprint on Thursday, but by 7pm that day he had been dumped by his right-wing colleagues, including Parramatta MP Tanya Gadiel.

Cr Garrard said the 24km West Metro line was vital to Parramatta’s growth and “will act as a gateway to Australia’s third largest economy, western Sydney”.

“The government had also promised a Parramatta to Epping rail link, but had so far failed to deliver,” he said.

Mr Oldfield said he would be “more than disappointed’’ if the West Metro project was shelved.

“The West Metro will be a vital boost to Parramatta which is the businesses hub of the west and if the government is going to withdraw its support, I am sure people of Parramatta will withdraw their support from the government,’’ Mr Oldfield said.

At a media conference soon after her election, Ms Keneally would not be drawn on the fate of the CBD and West Metro.