Today’s decision to effectively dump the North West Metro and South West Rail Link is a bitter blow for the new communities soon to be created in the north west and south west of Sydney, according to the Property Council of Australia.
“Today’s decision to effectively dump these projects is a bitter blow,” said NSW Executive Director Ken Morrison.
“Creating new communities without adequate public transport is merely repeating the mistakes of the past.
“While these projects have notionally been deferred, no timetable is provided for when they will be built.
“It is a particularly poor decision given the Government has today secured a revised power reform plan which is likely to raise around $10 billion and remove the need for government funding of new power generators.
“The plan to create new town centres with medium density development around them in the north west and south west growth centres is threatened by this decision.
“With the decision now made, the onus is now on the Government to ensure the bus links are first class. The Property Council calls on the Government to ensure adequate frequency and reliability are provided for these links.
“The Government must also start the long slow task of proper long term infrastructure planning, in conjunction with the Commonwealth and the community.
“It’s time to end the infrastructure flip flop in NSW.
“The Government needs to fundamentally reform the way it plans, costs and delivers long term infrastructure, especially transport infrastructure.
“Its current systems are failing year after year. Investors have no confidence in government infrastructure announcements.
“Restoring confidence in infrastructure planning and delivery needs to a priority for the Premier and his Cabinet.”
Media contact: Ken Morrison, NSW Executive Director on 0412 233 715.
