The NSW Government needs to steer away from any flip flop on previously announced transport projects and get on with devising and implementing a long term transport plan for Sydney, said the Property Council of Australia today.
The Property Council was responding to reports in today’s Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Government was considering significantly delays to the Harbour Rail Link, as well as considering new metro rail and fast train links.
“We welcome reports that the government is considering metro and fast rail options for Sydney, but any prospect
of a flip flop on a pre-announced major transport project like the Harbour Rail Link would be very disappointing,” NSW executive director Ken Morrison said.
“Just a few years ago we were told that the Harbour Rail Link was absolutely necessary to cater for the increased train movements coming from the south west and north west rail links.
“Since then it has been moving through the route investigation phase and is a clear priority in the ten year State Infrastructure Strategy.
“You have to ask the question, what has changed?
“It is very difficult for business, investors and the community to have confidence in announcements of major transport projects if they are subject constant revisions.
“If the Government is considering fast train and metro rail options then this is good news, but it should not be done by thinking about projects in isolation.
“The Government needs to devise a long term transport plan for Sydney and then deliver it.
“It will be expensive and complex. It is something will require much public debate. And the private sector and the Federal Government will have important funding and delivery roles.
“But what we don’t want is a return to the discredited Action for Transport approach of announcing projects which are not going be delivered.
“This was the story of the Parramatta Rail Link, whose Epping to Parramatta stage has been deferred indefinitely.
“Let’s have a commitment from the Government for a long term transport plan for Sydney focusing on networks, not haphazard much needed transport projects."
Contact:
Ken Morrison, NSW Executive Director, 02 9033 1906 or 0412 233 715
