Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders has called on the NSW Labor Government to come clean on its regional infrastructure priorities, following the Federal Labor Government’s first budget.
Mr Saunders said NSW Labor has refused to answer questions about its priorities in the first question time of the new Parliament, leaving regional communities in the dark about what will be cut.
“The first question we asked in the new Parliament was whether State Labor would back in key road and water projects in regional NSW, and it has refused to,” Mr Saunders said.
“Chris Minns and Labor have literally fallen at the first hurdle.”
Mr Saunders said it was disappointing that the Federal Labor government had put $120 billion worth of infrastructure projects on the backburner, putting projects like the Dungowan Dam, Muswellbrook Bypass, Merriwa to Willow Tree Road and the Newell Highway upgrades at serious risk.
However, he said Chris Minns and Labor had the opportunity to pressure their Federal colleagues to put regional infrastructure back in the spotlight.
“I understand the Federal Minister will consult her State colleagues as part of Labor’s review of the Infrastructure Investment Fund,” Mr Saunders said.
“This is Chris Minns’ opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to regional NSW and save key regional projects.
“I call on Chris Minns and NSW Labor to outline their infrastructure priorities, and to make sure regional NSW is not left behind.”