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NRMA labels F6 extension a priority

01 Apr, 2009 03:00 AM
The F6 extension through southern Sydney would help boost the NSW economy and should be a priority in government budgets, the NRMA has said.

The motoring organisation yesterday called on both levels of government to commit an initial $2 million towards a planning study that would help accelerate the construction of the new road.

The extension would link the Illawarra with Sydney Airport and the CBD, dramatically improving travel times and reducing congestion, but both the State and Federal governments have indefinitely stalled the plans.

NRMA deputy president Michael Tynan said the present economic climate was an opportunity for the Federal Government to begin work on the road.

"The F6 extension is the type of major project the Australian Government needs to invest in to provide a much-needed boost to the NSW economy and provide first-class infrastructure for future generations," Mr Tynan said.

"If the Prime Minister and the Treasurer are going to spend in order to bolster the economy, then it should be on projects like the F6 extension that will have short-term benefits and also deliver economic and transport benefits for generations to come.

"This is how the Government can create jobs and economic activity in NSW."

A spokesman for Federal Roads Minister Anthony Albanese said the Government would not comment on budget matters.

The State Government confirmed there would be no funding for the extension in its next budget.

"The simple fact is there are many competing calls on the budget including local schools and hospitals," Minister for Roads Michael Daley said yesterday.

"A corridor between Loftus and St Peters has been reserved for future transport use however there are no current plans to use this corridor to extend the F6."

In its 2009-10 budget submissions, the NRMA says the extension is vital.

It would cost $2.2 billion, but would bring benefits of almost $3 billion to NSW by 2031.

The number of passengers travelling on the F6 between Wollongong and Sydney is set to double by 2030, while the amount of freight will increase to 45 million tonnes, according to a Federal Government report released last month.

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
As I have written plenty of times before, the F6 extension is not a toll road and has to be paid for by the Government, regardless of whether Federal or State

Hence the extreme reluctance of sticking fingers in pockets and pulling out the dough. And do ever see the F6 mentioned on the news at night for traffic hold ups?

Posted by Alan Bond, 1/04/2009 6:59:34 AM
How sad it is that the only voice the Illawarra has for improving its infrastructure is the NMRA, while our politicians are unable to deliver anything for us and are too scared to upset their party factions and head office by speaking up for those whose taxes feed them.
Posted by Rahman, 1/04/2009 7:02:55 AM
The construction fo the F6 would easily cut 20-30 minutes off a peak hour trip to Sydney. I don't know about you but I would be willing to pay a couple of dollars toll for that type of time saving. We know the government cant pay because Rudd has already borrowed $300 billion and Labor has sent NSW broke - so I guess we have to pay for it ourselves.
Posted by Peter , 1/04/2009 9:25:42 AM
Dont expect the residents of southern Sydney to allow this extension through their suburbs without some major screaming. Why should they suffer so Illawarra residents can get to Sydney quicker. Rail improvements would be better. Build the Thirroul/Waterfall tunnel, extend and electrify into Nowra and make Albatross Sydney's second airport. The NRMA doesn't care about Illawarra residents or the residents of southern Sydney all they care about is blindly increasing the road network and their own influence and bugger the consequences or whether it improves or damages our communities.
Posted by mikk, 1/04/2009 10:40:01 AM
The residents of southern Sydney must be morons if they oppose the F6 extension. It will take thousands of cars off their local roads and reduce congestion, pollution and noise. What could they possibly be in opposition to? But it will never happen because Illawarra electorates are safe labor seats, and you get the government you deserve.
Posted by Ted, 1/04/2009 4:35:42 PM
we need to become a swing voting electorate to get anything from any government. wake up the good people of illawarra.
Posted by Shez, 2/04/2009 1:59:46 AM
Improving the F6 seems like a no-brainer, but when you think about it, why are we encouraging people to drive to Sydney? A better solution is a Very Fast Train - VFT. Remember the one we were suposed to have by 2010 (uh-oh, that's next year - better hurry up Mr Rees / Mr Campbell). C'mon Illawarra, think big - I know, it's hard to do when we're so used to getting nothing. If you don't ask, you'll never receive. The next state election is our best chance ever to get some things done around here - make Labour take us seriously.
Posted by BJ, 2/04/2009 8:58:08 AM

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NRMA deputy president Michael Tynan at the end of the existing F6.
NRMA deputy president Michael Tynan at the end of the existing F6.

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