The North West Rail Link is again under threat from the Keneally Labor Government’s last minute decision to fund the Parramatta to Epping line, NSW Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell and Liberal Candidate for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said today.
NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal has confirmed there is no additional funding for the Keneally Labor Government’s $520 million contribution to the Parramatta to Epping Rail Link.
“The Keneally Labor Government needs to say today whether the North West Rail Link is again facing the cut to pay for the Epping Link,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“This is a case of Labor robbing North West Sydney in a desperate attempt to save Maxine McKew.
“It’s this sort of back of the ballot paper planning from Federal and State Labor which has got NSW into trouble.
“The people of North Western Sydney have been conned by Labor enough times on rail promises and any cuts to the North West Rail Link is unacceptable.
“The very least Western Sydney deserves from the Keneally Labor Government is some honesty – so Transport Minister John Robertson or Treasurer Eric Roozendaal need to say today whether the North West Rail Link will be cut or delayed," Mr O’Farrell said.
Mr Conolly said under Labor’s original plans, the North West Rail Link was supposed to be opening this year, but now it’s 14 years away and under threat from more Labor bungling.
"I'm also concerned the long awaited Richmond Line duplication or the M2 widening could be facing Labor's axe or further delays," Mr Conolly said.
"John Aquilina has failed the people of Riverstone time and time again.
"The only way to see the North West Rail Link delivered is to elect a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government," Mr Conolly said.