By MATT NICHOLLS
THE Pacific Highway is looming as a key political football in the lead-up to the federal election.
For years the road stretching from Sydney to the Gold Coast has drawn the ire of coastal residents, particularly those travelling north from Port Macquarie.
The Coalition has ramped up its intentions ahead of the election, which is now being tipped to be held on 7 September.
Last week, Nationals candidate for Lyne David Gillespie joined Senate candidate Alan Hay for a tour of the Pacific Highway in Mr Hay’s 1966 Mustang GT.
Mr Gillespie said money had been on the table for Labor to complete works on the Pacific Highway, but the government hadn’t delivered.
“Enough is enough. The Liberals and Nationals have a rock solid commitment to get this road finished if we are elected to government,” he said.
“We will ensure that the highway is duplicated between the Mid North Coast and the Queensland border.
“I want mothers, fathers, daughters and sons to not have to worry about the well-being of their loved ones when they are driving on the Pacific Highway.”
Mr Gillespie said the Coalition had a $5.6 billion commitment to achieving the upgrade. “We will return to the 80:20 funding split with the State Government instead of Labor’s stalling tactics,” he said.
“Our commitment includes $2.08 billion in new funding and we are determined to get this job done for the safety of all motorists using the worst road in NSW.”
Mr Hay said the government’s insistence on a 50:50 funding arrangement with the NSW government had been the Labor Party’s excuse for letting the Pacific Highway continue to be the worst road in the state.
Labor candidate for Lyne Peter Alley was unavailable for comment.
