Media Release – GWH upgrade cost blow-out
MEDIA RELEASE
16 APRIL 2010
MT VICTORIA TO LITHGOW GWH UPGRADE COST BLOW-OUT
Mr Rory Mack, Chairman of the Mt Victoria Highway Bypass Action Group said the revelation in Thursday’s Daily Telegraph yet again exposed the NSW Government’s project management incompetence, fiscal inaptitude and apparent ambivalence to community requirements.
Using the Freedom of Information process, the NSW Opposition revealed that the Government and RTA have been secretive by not disclosing the prodigious cost estimates of up to $2 billion for the controversial upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Mt Victoria to Lithgow. This is a “blow-out” of over four times the estimate of $450 million announced by Bob Debus.
“This equates to $100 million per kilometre of taxpayer’s money being wasted on this unwarranted and unnecessary ‘road to nowhere’ upgrade”, said Rory Mack.
“Safety has been the RTA’s major rationale for the highway upgrade ( we are in total agreement). We have proposed a significantly less costly solution to address the safety issues on Victoria Pass. We believe this can de done for some tens of millions of dollars.
We have asked the Government to incent, or legislate that, more freight be transferred to rail. We have also asked that funding be diverted to the implementation of safety upgrades on the Bells Line of Road”.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the National Road Transport Operators Association have said their drivers are against the road (GWH) and have urged the State Government to instead upgrade the Bells Line of Road. Many want to see a divided highway linking the Central West to the Coast.
“We want to see a safer & improved road for truck drivers, tourists and residents. We now ask the State and Federal Governments to immediately abandon the RTA’s proposed upgrade and instead,begin work on remedial safety measures on Victoria Pass. We do not want a repeat of the disastrous & costly Metrolink. Let us witness some visionary leadership from the Premier” Mr Mack concluded.
Rory mack has a vested interest in not liking the orange corridor…..His house is right in the middle of it.The caltex was build and operational long before mr mack finally finished his house.He must be pleased that there is no hot food being sold after 10pm at the caltex.Due to staff cuts.
A little elf told me that macquarie bank is financing the bells Tollway…So dont lose any sleep mr mack…
Mr Thomas , the activities of the Mt Victoria Highway Bypass Action Group reflect the concerns of worried residents, not specific individuals. All residents of the Blue Mountains will be affected if the steep grades of Victoria Pass are bypassed that in turn will allow the passage of large BDouble,then BTriple trucks across the suburban roads of the Mountains.
We do not believe truck drivers want to be subjected to multiple sets of traffic lights, school zones, speed zones, scores of intersections and nearly 600 driveways. It is not safe for them, for residents and for the many tourists who visit the Mountains.
We are supportive of highway upgrades for safety purposes however we cannot support a project that is now estimated to cost taxpayers an unjustified $2 BILLION. We have recommended a solution for Victoria Pass that would see safety upgrades carried out for some tens of million of dollars (not billions).
We also support both our State & Federal politicians in their call for more freight to be carried by rail.
agent,host of underground infastructure……