The NSW Government is seeking community feedback on its plan to unlock $20 billion in infrastructure funding by undertaking a long-term lease of 49 per cent of the “poles and wires” network businesses, NSW Premier Mike Baird announced last week.
The NSW Government has just released a discussion paper in what is the first step of the consultation process on specific issues or concerns regarding the Rebuilding NSW plan and the proposed partial lease.
“Rebuilding NSW is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the long-term future of communities in every corner of the State,” Mr Baird said.
Local State MPs Stuart Ayres from Penrith and Tanya Davies from Mulgoa today urged the community to take up this rare opportunity to have their say on where the infrastructure funding would best be placed to provide the economic and social benefits for our community.
“This Rebuilding NSW discussion paper is a 20 page document outlining the NSW Liberals & Nationals plan to boost investment in a broad range of public projects from public transport to schools and sporting facilities” said Stuart Ayres.
“Here’s our chance to help the community think about where we can spend this money” said Tanya Davies.
“We want to hear from the community and stakeholders on a wide range of issues including how the Government can help businesses and communities to better plan for the opportunities made available as a result of new infrastructure investment.
“We are also looking for feedback on what potential projects would provide the greatest economic and social benefits, and whether there is further scope for consumers to benefit from greater efficiency in NSW’s electricity networks,” Mr Baird said.
The consultation process established through the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) will:
· provide information to NSW communities on the conditions for partially leasing the assets and the strategic priorities of the Government;
· include meetings with key stakeholders and community groups across the state; and
· seek submissions on investment priorities and the proposed partial lease of the electricity networks.
Interested parties are invited to make an initial submission in response to the discussion paper by 19 September 2014. DPC will report back to Government towards the end of 2014 with a Final Report detailing the outcomes of the consultation process.
For more details on this initiative, please visit www.rebuilding.nsw.gov.au
