Federal Labor MPs and Justine Elliot (Richmond) and Janelle Saffin (Page) are calling on the O’Farrell-Stoner Government to turn their pre-election words into action and significantly increase the NSW Government’s funding for the Pacific Highway.
Andrew Stoner March 31, 2011 – Coffs Harbour Advocate: “The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to road safety and plan for the upgrade of the Pacific Highway to be completed by 2016.”
Andrew Stoner February 21, 2011 – Media Release: “the NSW Liberals and Nationals will immediately fast-track the upgrade of the Pacific Highway if elected in March.”
Andrew Stoner February 18, 2011 – ABC Mid North Coast: “We’ve committed an additional $5 billion … to fast-track vital projects. And I can’t think of any more important than the Pacific Highway. Both Barry O’Farrell and I are absolutely committed to getting the job done on the Pacific Highway.”
Ms Elliot and Ms Saffin have launched a petition calling on the NSW Coalition to significantly increase their funding for the Pacific Highway – and at the very least stump up an additional $750 million – in its first Budget on September 6 to ensure that work can continue to ensure that the highway is fully duplicated by 2016, as agreed.
“The Gillard Government is doing the lifting to fix the highway and to make it safer for all motorists; our 2011-12 Federal Budget announced an additional $1 billion in funding for the highway upgrade,” they said.
“We are now making a record $4.1 billion investment in the Pacific Highway over seven years, more than triple the $1.3 billion the former Howard government contributed over 12 years.
“The question now is if the NSW Coalition will walk the walk after years of talking the talk.
“The NSW Government is only contributing $500 million towards the Pacific Highway compared to the Federal Government’s $4.1 billion.
“When in Opposition, the now Premier, Deputy Premier and NSW Minister for Roads all claimed they would make the Pacific Highway a priority in their first Budget if elected.
“The time has now come for them put their money where their
mouth is.
“This issue is too important to play politics with; the NSW Government needs to step up and match the Gillard Government’s record investment for this road.
“This upgrade is about saving lives and making the Pacific Highway a safer road for motorists. By both governments working together we can achieve this.”
Copies of the Pacific Highway Upgrade Community Petition can be signed at Ms Elliot and Ms Saffin’s Electorate Offices in the lead up to the NSW Budget.
