Labor fails to explain how it will improve northern beaches traffic

Just 68 days out from the election, NSW Labor has refused to reveal its policies to improve public transport and fix traffic congestion on the northern beaches even though it wants more people to live on the peninsula.

Labor leader Michael Daley and his party have refused to explain improving traffic congestion on the northern beaches.

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NSW Labor has refused to reveal its policies to improve public transport and fix traffic congestion on the northern beaches even though it wants more people to live on the peninsula.

The Opposition will dump plans for the Beaches Link tunnel if it wins government, but is yet to show how it will help the region cope with more commuters even though the election is just 68 days away.

Labor has already made it clear that its transport spending priorities will be focused on western Sydney including a new metro rail from Parramatta to the CBD.

Proposed Beaches Link and Western Harbour Tunnel route.

In response to questions put to it by the Manly Daily about its plans for transport and road improvements in the wake of the Beaches Link scrapping, Labor would only say it would “prioritise public transport over toll roads”.

The Daily asked if Labor will enhance bus services, extend the B-Line to Newport, allow more peak-hour clearways on major routes or boost private ferry numbers to the peninsula. But Labor said it will have more to say about its transport priorities in the lead up to the election.

In a statement, Opposition Transport spokeswoman Jodi McKay said Labor will prioritise public transport over toll roads.

“Labor’s committed to ruling out further privatisation of public transport.” Ms McKay said.

In November, Opposition leader Michael Daley said the northern beaches must accept more development.

Parents of Balgowlah Boys High students, and neighboring residents who are worried about the negative effects that construction of the Beaches Link Tunnel, and associated traffic changes, will have on the school and surrounding streets. Picture: AAP/Adam Yip

“It is not fair that the north shore and the northern beaches are protected from overdevelopment,” Mr Daley told the ABC. “There is much unfairness in the planning system that we need to fix.”

The Greater Sydney Commission has estimated the northern beaches’ population would grow from about 270,000 to just under 300,000 by 2036, with an extra 3400 homes needed.

Government transport planners predict that by 2037 the number of vehicles using The Spit Bridge each day would jump from 69,000 to 80,000.

Luke Foley. Picture: Leigh Roberts

“Frankly, the needs of three million residents of western Sydney must come before those of 300,000 northern beaches residents,” former Opposition leader Luke Foley told state parliament in his NSW Budget reply speech.

Recently community meetings showed there is divided opinion on the peninsula on the need for the Beaches Link.

Its critics say it will attract more residents into their cars and the tunnels will end up an underground traffic snarl.

But frustrated commuters want the toll road because they say it will cut the amount of time they spend in their cars.

Community group, Beaches Tunnel — How it Impacts You, which wants the government to stop planning for the Beaches Link and review other mass transit transport options, has called on Labor to immediately reveal its plans.

Spokeswoman Jo Casserly said it was keen for Labor to clearly state how it was going to address congestion and transport issues on the northern beaches.

Ms Casserly said voters need to know what transport options Labor was offering.

“Voters need to have information available to enable them to make the right choice.”