Following the outcome of the NSW state elections on the weekend, the Liberals leader Barry O’Farrell has promised a 100 day focus on transport in NSW, particularly on roads and rail systems and includes the establishment of a Public Service Commission, the integration of public transport agencies and the launch of Infrastructure NSW, to take control of large infrastructure projects.
The body will be responsible for prioritising large projects based on actual needs of the community. Labor’s controversial Part 3A planning laws, allowing government to overrule councils on big projects, will be thrown out and a new planning commission established.
O’Farrell has made the construction of the north-west rail line the centrepiece of his transport policy, with construction expected to commence ”some time” during this four-year term.
Watch this space as we keep an eye on the new State Government’s transport policy announcements over the coming weeks.