NSW: CBD metro left off major rail project list

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2009
NSW: CBD metro left off major rail project list

SYDNEY, April 26 AAP - The absence of the NSW government's CBD metro plans from a list
of major rail projects to be funded by the federal government is evidence there is little
confidence in the project, the state opposition says.

The $4.8 billion CBD metro project recently came under fire after Fairfax media reported
changes needed at Central Station for it to go ahead were impossible.

Premier Nathan Rees denied the claim.

"The notion that the work required for the CBD metro is impossible is absolutely wrong," he said.

"The CBD metro will be a terrific new piece of infrastructure for Sydney, aimed at
getting people around our terrific city more easily and easing congestion on our roads."

State opposition transport spokesperson Gladys Berejiklian said the project was dubious
given federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese had not included it on a list of
26 major rail projects for federal funding.

"This omission confirms the Federal Government has no confidence in the State Labor
Government to deliver public transport," she said in a statement on Sunday.

"The State Labor Government did not do its homework regarding the viability of this
project, nor did they submit an adequate submission.

"Not one new rail link has been finished by the NSW Labor Government in 14 years, and
not one of their transport projects have ever been delivered on time."

She called on Mr Rees to commit to a South West and North West rail link.

AAP bc/apm

KEYWORD: METRO

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