NSW
Business Chamber Western Sydney has urged the State Government to stop
targeting Western Sydney in its attempts to fill the Budget’s billion dollar
black hole.
“The
Premier’s plans to delay construction of the Western and North-Western Metros
in favour of the CBD and the inner city is a kick in the guts for the people of
Western Sydney”, said Paul Brennan, NSW Business Chamber Western Sydney
President.
“Western
Sydney is the engine room of NSW and he government should remember that.
They should be reserving the land corridors and building key infrastructure for
Western Sydney, not delaying and pushing back the start times.
“While
the Premier says this is the “first stage” in the Western and North West
Metros, what people in Western Sydney deserve is some certainty. They’re sick
of being promised transport solutions only to see them change before their
eyes.
“Our
often promised Parramatta to Chatswood rail link, now does not go to
Parramatta, this government promises a lot but falls short on delivery.
“Why
is the west being treated as a lower priority than the CBD and inner
city? Quite frankly, we’re getting fed up at being ignored”, Mr Brennan
said.
“Projects
such as the M7 motorway have opened up Western Sydney to economic development
that will generate billions of dollars for the economy and the
government. This project was completed on budget and in record time, by
the contractors, with Federal and State funding.
“The
NSW budget bottom line will be better off over the long term by the delivery of
these infrastructure projects.
“There
is a range of cost-savings to be found throughout the state government
departments before the government turns the razor on Western Sydney
infrastructure,” said Mr Brennan.
“Cost
savings in CityRail have been identified at nearly $500 million. That’s
approximately half the budget black hole in CityRail alone.”
For further information: John Pearson – 0419 605 157
