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Infrastructure Australia priority list out: NSW transport gets an F
Friday 02 July 2010
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says the just released report from Infrastructure Australia recommending priority infrastructure projects for federal funding gives NSW a fail mark for progressing public transport projects which Infrastructure Australia judges should be a key priority. Ms Rhiannon says the government's omission in not even bidding for funding for the $6.7 billion north-west rail link means it is unlikely ever to be built.
“The Keneally government should be embarrassed by this report card,
which shows it lacks the ideas and capacity to deliver much needed
transport infrastructure for Sydney," Ms Rhiannon said.
"No NSW government projects are judged 'ready to proceed' by
Infrastructure Australia. The South East Rail Link and Moorebank
Intermodal are categorised as 'threshold'.
Infrastructure Australia's report, "Getting the fundamentals right for
Australia's infrastructure priorities' is available here:
http://tiny.cc/6ae24
"Infrastructure Australia has again criticised the NSW government for
failing to develop public transport network to ensure a sustainable
city. COAG now has little before it from NSW deemed worthy of funding
"The government's failure to even bid for funding for the North West
Rail Link is a major blow for commuters in the region.
"Infrastructure Australia notes that the Keneally government's metro
plans have fallen over, leaving 'a strong need to further develop
Sydney's public transport network'.
"A promise by Infrastructure Australia to work with the government to
get transport plans underway should embarrass the Premier, revealing
that nothing will be done without hand-holding.
"The problem, yet again, is that this government has no worthy plans
able to attract funds to build Sydney's public transport system.
"NSW Labor is better prepared to deliver motorway projects, like the $4
billion M5 East expansion, than the public transport which is the key to
reducing congestion and increasing productivity.
"This report confirms Sydneysiders will continue to suffer an archaic
transport system, with all its frustrations and economic costs," Ms
Rhiannon said.
A proposal to build a dual track heavy rail line from Rouse Hill, via
Epping and Chatswood to the south side of Sydney's CBD is put by a
private sector proponent, Australia Infrastructure Solutions, and is
judged as being at an 'early stage' of development.
For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
