Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc.

Minister, professionals disagree on progress of rail construction program

posted Sunday 16 March 2003

While the Transport Minister's office insists that the government's "Action for Transport 2010" construction program is "on track", railway professionals say the funding "guaranteed" in the 1998 plan have not been forthcoming.

As is well known, the Parramatta to Epping section of the showpiece Parramatta to Chatswood railway has been deferred. A spokesman for the Railway Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA) says a number of other rail projects promised in "Action for Transport 2010" are also running behind schedule. They include the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail Link and the Waterfall to Thirroul rail tunnel. In contrast, says RTSA spokesman, Dr. Philip Laird, major roads projects have been brought forward.

"The NSW Government must immediately reaffirm its commitment to those rail projects in the program and ensure that funding is available to get the program back on track" Dr. Laird says.

Dr Laird also called on the present government to release its rail freight strategy. "A commitment was made in 1998, but five years on, it has still to materialise" Dr. Laird says.

APT notes that the present government is actively promoting the building of the so-called "M4 East" motorway, to connect the M4 motorway at Concord with the City-West Link at Haberfield. This road did not even appear in the "Action for Transport 2010" document.

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