Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Dave Layzell, said the Minns Labor Government’s cabinet reshuffle has further demonstrated its lack of care for regional NSW, after it abolished the Regional Roads portfolio.
Mr Layzell said our regional roads network is crucial to our communities, giving us the ability to move goods and products by freight, as well as connecting our residents and workers to the city.
“We have already seen a complete lack of investment in regional roads in Labor’s most recent budget and I fear this move will lead to even less of a focus on what we need,” Mr Layzell said.
“Early in his term Premier Chris Minns failed to stand up to his federal Labor counterparts resulting in NSW losing 17 key infrastructure projects, most of which were in the regions.
“Our state needs significant upgrades to the Great Western Highway, the New England Highway, the Golden Highway and the Muswellbrook Bypass and that will require federal support, which means a dedicated Minister here in NSW to fight for them.”
Mr Layzell said after the merging of the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Regional NSW, followed by the government agreeing to axe our only dedicated regional train service provider in the RTBU wage dispute, it couldn’t be clearer where the regions sit on the Premier’s priority list.
“Today’s decision is another kick in the guts, and isn’t just concerning for rural and remote residents, but every single person who uses or relies on our regional roads,” Mr Layzell said.
