Ballina MP critical of Federal road policy
Ballina MP and Shadow Minister for North Coast Don Page says he is appalled by the Federal Government’s roads policy, which prioritises the Ipswich Motorway in Queensland over the Pacific Highway.
“The Federal Government’s policy is contrary to the AusRAP Report released in December, which showed clear evidence that the Pacific Highway between Taree and Byron Bay is the most dangerous road in Australia,” Mr Page said.
“The standard of highways in south-east Queensland generally is far higher than the Pacific Highway, especially between Ewingsdale and Taree.
“It is very disappointing for the people of the North Coast who have tolerated the current road conditions for too long now.
“Twenty-five lives were lost on the Pacific Highway last year.
“The Pacific Highway is the most important road in the eastern Australia road corridor but less than 40 per cent is dual carriageway.
“How many more lives need to be lost before both the State and Federal Labor Governments make the Pacific Highway their top priority?”
Mr Page said that one of the many promises made by the new Federal Labor Government in the lead-up to the election was $780 million to be spent locally on the Pacific Highway.
“It appears that the Federal Government is going to continue the trend of its State counterparts of broken election promises,” Mr Page said.
“This area is the fastest growing area in Australia. Both governments need to do more to upgrade the infrastructure that is no longer able to cope with the increase in population.
“The North Coast has suffered the worst tourist season in many years due to the extreme weather conditions and flooding.
“The recent weather has only further damaged the condition of the heavily used Pacific Highway.
“The Pacific Highway is the main artery that transports holiday-makers into our area and with the number of innocent lives being lost it is just not acceptable that the upgrade is not being recognised as the nation’s top road priority.”
