Coalition ‘committed to building Alstonville bypass’
Member for Ballina Don Page has reaffirmed the NSW Liberal/Nationals Coalition’s commitment to start building the Alstonville bypass this year if elected to Government on March 24.
Mr Page joined members of the Alstonville community yesterday in the village’s main street to highlight the Labor Government’s broken promises and neglect of the important infrastructure project.
“Former Premier Bob Carr promised in 2003 that the Alstonville bypass would be built by the end of 2006, ” Mr Page said.
“He stated in March 2003 and again in June of the same year that construction money was available from the RTA’s forward capital works program.
“Within six months the Labor Government reneged on their promise.
“Mr Carr’s written promise turned out to be written in wet sand at the water’s edge on an incoming tide.
“Now we hear Labor blaming the Federal Government’s Auslink Program but that program wasn’t implemented until 2005, well after Labor broke their written commitment given in March 2003.
“We are now in 2007 and to date no money has been allocated for its construction, only planning and land acquisition has occurred at this stage.
“In contrast, the Liberal/Nationals Coalition is fully committed to the construction of the bypass and will fast-track its construction to ensure it is completed as soon as possible. Construction will commence this year if a Coalition Government is elected.
“The people of the Alstonville community have waited long enough for the bypass, it’s time the infrastructure needs of this area are recognised.
“Clearly the only way the bypass will be built is if a Coalition Government is elected.”
