Media Release

Thursday 26 March 2009

Business in the dark on infrastructure package

NSW businesses are eager to be involved in the rolling out the Federal Government’s $42 billion stimulus package but poor communication of  clear guidelines and tendering processes in NSW are stopping them from putting their hand up for the projects, according to NSW’s leading business organisation, NSW Business Chamber.

“The message we are hearing from the business community is that they want to be involved in rolling out the stimulus package but have no idea how they tell the State Government they are ready to pitch in,” said Kevin MacDonald, CEO of NSW Business Chamber.

“The business community is not just in the dark on how to take advantage of the Federal stimulus package infrastructure investment in schools and housing but also the NSW Government’s $56 billion four year infrastructure program.” Mr MacDonald said.

“We would like to see the NSW Government follow the Federal Government’s initiative and create an online gateway to keep business and the wider community informed on the roll out of the NSW Government’s own infrastructure plan in NSW.  This gateway should provide business with accessible information on how to tender for school, housing and other projects.”

NSW Business Chamber has taken its case to the Premier outlining the business community’s concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the infrastructure program and the lack of information available for business to tender for contracts.

“It’s time for the NSW Government to clear away the fog when it comes to infrastructure in NSW.

 “The Government must clearly outline for the community how much money they are spending on infrastructure each year and provide six month updates on what has and is being built.” Mr MacDonald concluded.