NSW Budget: $9.7 billion for roads, maritime and freight to get state moving
EXCLUSIVE:The Baird government will sell today’s budget as a congestion buster, with $9.7 billion for the roads, maritime and freight portfolio — up 29 per cent from last year’s $7.5 billion.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Baird government will sell today’s budget as a congestion buster.
There will be $9.7 billion for the roads, maritime and freight portfolio — up 29 per cent from last year’s $7.5 billion.
The WestConnex is responsible for a big chunk of the 2016-17 money with its budget allocation for next year being $2.9 billion, with about 40 per cent coming from the NSW government and the remainder from the federal government and private investment.
The government yesterday also announced $12 billion over four years for the North West and South West metro projects.
Nearly $500 million will be invested in Western Sydney roads to continue critical projects, including an allocation of $147 million for continued road upgrades to support population growth.
This includes:
* $38 million towards the recently-started work on the third and final stage of the Schofields Rd upgrade from Marsden Park to Rouse Hill, which includes extending Schofields Rd from Veron Rd to Carnarvon Rd and then to Richmond Rd.
* $34 million (including Federal Government funding of $19 million) to continue works on the second stage of the Narellan Rd upgrade — a 5.2km stretch from the M31 Hume Motorway to Camden Valley Way and from the TAFE/Western Sydney University access road to Blaxland Rd in Campbelltown.
* $32 million to complete the 1.5km upgrade of Old Wallgrove Rd between the M7 Motorway and Erskine Park Link Rd — expected completion in 2017.
* And $13.8 million to complete the second stage of the Schofields Rd upgrade between Tallawong and Veron roads in Schofields — expected completion in early 2017.
The budget also includes $5.5 million to complete the 2.9km second and third stages of the Richmond Rd upgrade between Townson Rd to north of Garfield Rd at Marsden Park, with expected completion later this year.
And $125 million will be allocated to projects to “improve traffic flow and reduce congestion across key corridors in Sydney”. This will include $73.4 million for the pinch point and clearways programs, which includes $7 million to provide motorists with real time travel information on Sydney’s motorways.
There will also be $31.1 million to start detailed design on the Smart Motorway program to use technology to work on congestion and $9 million for planning the Gateway to the South pinch point program for 12 key intersections.
“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing parts of the state and this year’s historic roads budget includes $147 million, including $28 million of federal funding, for ongoing upgrades and critical projects to support this growth,” Roads Minister Duncan Gay said.
“The government has set itself a massive infrastructure task but this budget showcases just how committed we are to delivering the infrastructure Western Sydney needs.”
Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian said: “The government is investing in infrastructure right across the state which is boosting economic activity and helping create even more jobs, and this budget delivers a major funding boost to keep up this building boom.
“We are committed to making sure Western Sydney has the infrastructure it needs to continue the momentum.”
Loaded military-style rifle seized from stolen car: Police
A loaded military-style rifle has been seized by police after two fumbling men allegedly left it behind when they fled on foot after their vehicle became wedged beside a garbage truck.
Labor minister dumps party red for Sydney flyer
A pamphlet from Tanya Plibersek announcing boundary changes has attracted attention — not just for its message — but for its unexpected purple colour instead of Labor’s signature red.