Opposition Leader John Robertson has raised concerns about the government’s delay in releasing two studies on the Albion Park Rail bypass.
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Since coming into office, the Barry O’Farrell government has commissioned two studies on the busy, often congested section of road.
The first cost $100,000 and for the following study, the government allocated $1million.
Mr Robertson said there was reason to be concerned over the government’s reluctance to release the reports.
‘‘The government needs to explain why they’ve sat on these two reports,’’ Mr Robertson said during a trip to Albion Park.
‘‘When you spend a million dollars in reports and don’t release them, everyone has a right to raise questions as to what’s going on and to why those reports aren’t being released.
‘‘Any big project like this needs community consultation and needs engagement.
‘‘If you don’t release the reports it’s hard for the community to participate in an informed debate about routes, costs and the like.’’
Joining the chorus calling for the reports were Keira MP and Labor shadow roads minister Ryan Park and Shellharbour MP Anna Watson.
Mr Park said the delay in releasing the reports would also delay the next stages in building.
‘‘No one is saying we should start building this next month.
‘‘What we’re saying is each of these major infrastructure projects has a process and this is taking a considerable time,’’ he said.
‘‘What we want the government to do is say, ‘Let’s get the study released so we can go on to the next stage, which is community consultation, and then the detailed planning work so we’ve got a real time line about how we can get this project under way’.’’
Ms Watson said fixing the highway at Albion Park was one of the issues she campaigned on. And she felt a bypass would benefit everyone who travelled along this stretch of road.
‘‘They’re starting their trip down and they’re beginning it in a car park,’’ Ms Watson said.
‘‘It’s not only going to benefit the community but it’ll also benefit tourism as well. The government needs to release the report so we can get on with building this road.’’
Speaking on behalf of Roads Minister Duncan Gay, Kiama MP Gareth Ward – who lobbied for the $1.1million for the studies – said they had not been released because they weren’t finished.
‘‘This money was allocated this financial year, which means its being spent this financial year,’’ Mr Ward said.
‘‘So the million dollars, the work that’s being done, it’s being done now. We’re doing the work that [Labor] failed to do while in office and I’m advised by RMS [Roads and Maritime Services] that report will be released towards the end of this year.’’
He said RMS had been examining the existing road corridor on local environment plans to see if it was still appropriate, as well as conducting environmental, Aboriginal cultural and other studies.
Though the government had already funded two stages of the Princes Highway upgrade on the South Coast, that should not mean the region would get no more roads funding, Mr Ward said.
‘‘Not if I can help it,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ll be continuing to fight for funds for the upgrade to the Princes Highway.
‘‘It’s something I feel very strongly about, it’s one of the reasons I stood for parliament.
‘‘I certainly feel very strongly about this project and I will continue to campaign for it.’’