Parramatta Chamber supports Sydney Chamber call for better road funding in Sydney

The M4 East extension and M5 duplication must remain on the political agenda in order to address congestion, according to the Sydney Chamber of Commerce

“The M4 East extension and M5 duplication are two of the missing links in Sydney’s transport network,” said Patricia Forsythe, Executive Director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs Forsythe said that the two projects would have been worthy of federal funding but were not advocated effectively.

“In terms of the economic development of Sydney, you would have trouble finding two projects that are more deserving of federal funding.

“Sydney keeps losing out in terms of transport funding. Sydney needs an integrated transport strategy, underpinned by a single transport authority.

“We can’t claim to be a global city if we don’t have a coordinated approach to transport planning, infrastructure implementation and combating congestion.

Mrs Forsythe said that a single transport authority should provide the policy rigour to effectively advocate Sydney’s transport needs at a federal level.

“Our many transport agencies don’t speak with the one voice. These agencies should to be condensed into one to provide a strategic direction for Sydney transport.

“We also see merit in a federally backed infrastructure implementation body, if that’s what it takes for Sydney to get its fair share.

“Having to wait for each state budget to see what projects receive funding, with no clarity about the long-term strategy, makes no sense to businesses seeking to make long-term investment plans,” Mrs Forsythe concluded.