Page hits out at Government inaction to highway upgrade inquiry
The NSW Labor Government’s failure to respond to the findings of the Public Inquiry into the upgrade of the Pacific Highway is indicative of a lack of interest in issues outside of Sydney, Shadow Minister for North Coast Don Page said today.
Mr Page said the State Government was given six months to respond to the Interim Report into the Pacific Highway upgrades, but the Government failed to meet yesterday’s deadline.
“The issues surrounding the upgrade of the Pacific Highway are of great importance to North Coast residents,” Mr Page said.
“The least the NSW Labor Government could do is respond, given they don’t have to agree with the report’s recommendations, they just have to respond.
“The Public Inquiry into the Pacific Highway upgrades was instigated as a result of community concerns. It is unforgivable that the Labor Party has not responded to those concerns.
“The Interim Report presented several constructive suggestions and recommendations to improve the upgrade process.
“These recommendations included improving the community consultation process and better informing affected residents, and making the Community Liaison Groups (CLGs) more transparent.
“The Inquiry also found that the State Government should consider establishing a Property Value Guarantee Scheme to assist people whose properties are very close to a preferred route but who are not eligible for financial compensation.
“These recommendations represent an important voice involved in the upgrade of the highway – the community members who made submissions and had their say before the Inquiry.
“It is not acceptable that the Labor Government has failed to respond to this report within the required six months.
“It is just another example of this Sydney-centric Government ignoring the voice of regional NSW.”
