New rail and road projects across Sydney will be stalled or vetoed under the Labor Government’s new infrastructure plan according to the
Property Council of Australia.
The announcement released by the Opposition this week, details plans to defer the second harbour rail crossing and strip back WestConnex, reducing the expense on infrastructure without the funds from asset recycling.
The main elements of the new strategy will include terminating the link on WestConnex between St Peters and Haberfield with possible redesign.
Labor also intends to potentially reallocate the funds for the start of the light rail service to Parramatta and end the current program to replace heavy rail with a light rail service under the Newcastle CBD renewal strategy.
The new plans were met with hostility from the
Property Council of NSW with members reinforcing the importance of a second harbour rail crossing to enhance patronage through the CBD.
The rail crossing was also set to expand capacity across the network and connect emerging markets north and south and to integrate the new north-west line into the system.
The Property Council’s NSW Executive Director Glenn Byres told the Property Council of Australia there is no case to stall major projects when funds were available from asset recycling.
“Major new projects give Sydney a chance to enhance its standing as a global city, lift productivity and connect new and emerging markets across the metropolitan area,” Mr Byres said.
“We can’t afford to kick the can down the road any longer as congestion is going to cripple the city – yet Labor is doing that with its refusal to lease the poles and wires.
“There is no case for halting investment when asset recycling will produce the funds needed to start work on the next generation of major projects.”
Labor Leader for NSW Luke Foley told the
Sydney Morning Herald that Labor's plan was superior to the government's as it delivered key infrastructure while keeping the electricity distribution businesses in public hands, which would mean holding on to $1 billion each year in dividends.
Details of the individual projects proposed by the Labor government will be announced before the March 28 election.
