The duplication of the Pacific Highway, since 1996, has been a joint venture between the Commonwealth and NSW, based on a memorandum of understanding signed in early 1996.
In 2004, The Auslink White Paper from the Commonwealth stated “The [Howard] Government’s objective is to duplicate the Pacific Highway by 2016, in partnership with the NSW Government. The [Howard] Government will partner with the NSW Government to commence new duplication and upgrading projects by investing an additional $480 million in the Pacific Highway in the five-year period. The NSW Government will be expected to at least match this level of funding.” In October 2007, John Howard issued a media statement: “The Coalition Government is willing to provide our share of the additional funding needed to fully duplicate by 2016, if the NSW Government will match our funding commitment to a faster completion.”
Due to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), the Commonwealth made some one-off funding increases to stimulate the economy during 2008-2014. However, these increased contributions do not alter the Auslink 50:50 funding agreement that is still in place for the remainder of the highway. The NSW Nationals are now trying to re-write history by stating that the funding has always been 80:20, and this erroneous view is reflected in D Johnson’s letter of 17/5.
On April 4, 2011, the Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams told the ABC: “Our plan is to make sure that the upgrade of the highway to dual carriageway will be completed by 2016.”
On May 12, 2011, the NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell, told the Daily Telegraph: “The Pacific Highway remains a priority for this government … everyone wanting a shared objective to finish the duplication of the Pacific Highway by 2016.”
Earlier this month, NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said: “We will be fighting to make sure the Pacific Highway is the number one priority in the NSW State Budget in June.”
The Commonwealth has committed $3.56bn to complete the Pacific Highway by 2016. NSW is expected to match this commitment.
Peter Alley
Country Labor Spokesperson
