North Coast to Lose Out From Budget Due to Rees Government

13 May 2009

NSW Leader of The Nationals Andrew Stoner today said current Premier Nathan Rees was to blame for North Coast communities not getting a fair deal in the Federal Budget.

While Mr Stoner said he welcomed the funding for the Kempsey bypass on the Pacific Highway, the decision to walk away from the inland rail link would put more trucks on North Coast roads, particularly the Pacific Highway.

The very top priority on the Rees Labor Government’s submission to Infrastructure Australia was a so-called metro rail link for Sydney.

Even this project was underfunded, with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd showing his disdain for the Rees Labor Government by contributing just $91 million of the approximately $5.3 billion of the project’s cost.

Mr Stoner said that if the NSW Labor Government had not focused so much on a flawed Rozelle Metro then it’s possible other projects could have been funded, such as inland rail and significantly more money towards the Pacific Highway.

“Nathan Rees’ incompetence, inexperience or both is to blame on the North Coast not getting a fair deal in the Federal budget,” Mr Stoner said.

“Any more money towards the Pacific Highway is to be welcomed but the fact remains that the NSW Government should have upgraded the entire length of the road to dual carriageway by 2006,” he said.

“Nathan Rees pursued wrong priorities by going after $5 billion for rail in Sydney ahead of seeking money for inland rail.

“Trucks could have been moved off the Pacific Highway but it now appears this project has been shelved.

“Whether it’s Pacific Highway funding or the inland rail project, people on the North Coast are confused where they stand on key projects.

“In contrast with Labor, the NSW Liberal/Nationals will be honest and open with the public.

“When we announce positive, practical plans such as vital infrastructure upgrades, we will make sure they are delivered properly.

“Rather than pursue wrong priorities like a Sydney metro rail line, the Liberal/Nationals will stand up for the forgotten families around NSW,” Mr Stoner said