Baird's budget blowouts forces delay on projects

25 November 2016

The Baird Government has blown the budget on its infrastructure projects by more than $13 billion forcing other vital projects to be placed in the ‘to do’ list.

The gross mismanagement has forced NSW taxpayers to pick up the bill and left the Macquarie Fields electorate waiting for overdue infrastructure.

Residents in Macquarie Fields have been waiting for the Government to deliver a lift at Macquarie Fields Station and more commuter car parking but are quickly losing their patience.

Macquarie Fields Station has 70 steps and no lift, forcing people to bypass the station at their own inconvenience and expense. People with disability, the elderly, parents with prams and those with mobility issues are most affected, and the community is desperately seeking an upgrade of the station so it can be accessible for all.

After debts were paid off for both Ausgrid and Transgrid the Government has reported it walked away with around $6 billion and $6.6 billion respectively.

The appalling financial management has occurred across some of the Government’s largest infrastructure projects such as Westconnex, Parramatta Light Rail and the Sydney Metro rail line.

Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Treasurer Ryan Park MP

“This is a clear sign of appalling financial mismanagement by Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian and the Baird Government.

We have some of our most vulnerable individuals left with no access to local public train transport due to poor budget management.

“The Government has no plan to address the continuing blowouts, while commuters at Macquarie Fields are forced to wait for this important project to be delivered.

“Once the Government is done selling off every public asset to fund its spending spree it will be NSW residents left to foot the bill.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong MP

“It’s grossly unfair that Macquarie Fields Station is still without a lift. Our community deserves better and is frustrated and fed up with the Baird Liberal Government’s complete lack of action on this project.

“The Baird Liberal Government continues to cut services and sell off public assets while ignoring the needs of our community. Making Macquarie Fields Station accessible for all should be made a priority. All our community wants is a fair go and its fair share.”