NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell today welcomed the commitment from Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to the WestConnex project.
“It’s fantastic to have a Federal leader who’s interested in Sydney,” said Mr O’Farrell, who was joined by Mr Abbott on a tour of the M5 Tunnel Control Room in Arncliffe.
“I congratulate Tony Abbott on his commitment to major transport infrastructure projects in Western Sydney,” he said.
“I welcome his commitment of $1.5 billion towards the NSW Government’s WestConnex motorway project.
“This comes on top of the $1.8 billion committed by the NSW Government.
“The 33-kilometre WestConnex tollway will link Sydney’s west with the airport and the Port Botany precinct, and will include the M4 extension and duplication of the M5 East to King Georges Road.
“Sydney desperately needs more transport infrastructure and it’s terrific the Federal Coalition is committed to working with us to deliver it.
“This stands in stark contrast to the Federal Labor Government which has turned its back on Sydney and its four million residents.
“Labor has refused to help fund the North West Rail Link and a major motorway for Sydney.
“It’s time Julia Gillard and Anthony Albanese stepped up to the plate and delivered real money for a real priority.
“The Federal Government’s own figures show congestion costs NSW around $4 billion per year, more than any other State in Australia. Yet Sydney received less than 2 per cent of Federal Government funding for urban transport infrastructure.
“Sydney has been dudded by Labor for too long. Only Liberal Governments can be trusted to deliver. This commitment shows what can happen when the two tiers of government work together,” Mr O’Farrell said.
