Keira MP Ryan Park knows all about closing Bulli Pass – he was working for the Minister for the Illawarra last time it happened.
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Now he has been labelled a “hypocrite” by Kiama MP Gareth Ward over his opposition to the 2016 closure.
In 2008, when Labor was in government, the then-Roads and Traffic Authority closed the same section of Bulli Pass from August 18 to October 3 – six weeks.
Among the reasons for the closure was to undertake work to secure the rock face.
It followed a three-week closure earlier in 2008.
In 2016 Mr Park has attacked the government over next month’s closure.
Back in 2008, neither he nor Minister and then-Keira MP David Campbell appeared to have any objections to the closure.
This news has seen Mr Ward brand Mr Park a "hypocrite” who was attacking the 2016 closure “because he sees a political opportunity”.
“He has deliberately misled people, he has feigned his indignation,” Mr Ward said.
“What he did in 2008 is exactly what he’s complaining about in 2016.
“How can anyone ever trust Ryan Park again on these issues when he has done one thing in government and done something completely the opposite in opposition?”
Mr Park chose not to explain why the closure under Labor was acceptable while the Liberal closure was not.
He did say political staff “generally don't comment publicly on issues” and that he would continue “fighting” for the community.
“The community have every right to know what options were considered and the detailed information behind those decisions, that's what I am fighting for to make sure this decision wasn't based on cost saving,” he said.