2017 NSW Budget: Tolls pain paves way for future road growth, says Treasurer

TREASURER Dominic Perrottet is unapologetic about imposing more motorway tolls on Sydneysiders, saying it’s the only way to get roads built.

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TREASURER Dominic Perrottet is unapologetic about imposing more motorway tolls on Sydneysiders, saying it’s the only way to get roads built.

The admission comes as full details of the state government’s roads and transport package was revealed with $72.7 billion to be spent on transport infrastructure over the next four years.

A huge $24.3 billion will be spent on key transport projects including $6 billion for the WestConnex motorway and Sydney Metro train lines, with first purchase of 22 new six-carriage Metro trains to operate on the Metro Northwest line.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian tours ongoing WestConnex tunnelling work. Picture: AAP

“The infrastructure that we are building today is going to transform our state forever but there is not a bottomless pit of cash,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know in order to build the roads of the future in certain circumstances they will need tolls on them and whether it is the M2 and with the NorthConnex coming online we understand that is a cost to families but it is important that we just don’t sit back and don’t build the infrastructure.”

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet. Picture: Richard Dobson

The government is spending $7.2 billion on the third stage of WestConnex, including the M4-M5 link and while $1.1 billion in planning will be set aside for the F6 extension and Western Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link all likely to be tolled roads.

Traffic on Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt. The government has promised major improvements to Sydney’s gridlock in the coming years. Picture: Craig Wilson

More than 440 new and replacement buses will be rolled out this year as part of a $170 million program while $178 million will go towards getting the northern beaches’ rapid B-Line bus service running.

Six new inner harbour ferries will be part of a $51.6 million on water transport services.

Western Sydney rail commuters will get more express services with $658 million as part of the $1.5 billion More Trains, More Services program.