The NSW Opposition is calling out the NSW Roads Minister John Graham for his complete lack of knowledge when it comes to Western Sydney roads investment.
This morning at Budget Estimates, Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward asked Minister Graham directly what new funding the Minns Labor Government has committed to the Aerotropolis precinct since coming to office almost 12 months ago.
In an embarrassing blunder, the Minister was unable to name a single project, before attempting to take credit for the upgrade to Elizabeth Drive and the M7/M12 Interchange both funded under the former Liberal and Nationals Government.
In a desperate pivot to maintain an appearance of any knowledge, the Roads Minister referenced his election commitment to upgrade 15th Avenue, which a department bureaucrat had previously confirmed to Parliament was only enough to plan for the upgrade.
The Minns Labor Government’s clear lack of investment in Western Sydney was further exposed when asked to detail the Premier’s statement that his Government was investing $600 million over five years on the Aerotropolis, the Roads Minister declined to provide any detail.
Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward commented “The Roads Minister’s eyes are clearly not on the road when it comes to investment in Western Sydney Roads.”
“People can’t drive on ‘plans’, they drive on upgraded roads. Upgrading roads requires investment and this Labor Government cannot name a single project they have provided delivery funding for.”
“Western Sydney communities be warned - there is a clear difference between planning and delivery funding for road investment. This Labor Government promises everything, but won’t actually build these roads.”