The state Labor party has repeated its plan to choose rail over road when it comes to transport links between the Illawarra and Sydney.
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In a sometimes heated parliamentary debate, Keira MP Ryan Park referred to the first stage of the F6 extension as a “stupid project”.
The comment was made in response to Miranda MP Eleni Petinos’ motion calling on the house to support the first stage of the F6 – a four-kilometre tunnel between Arncliffe and Kogarah.
“That is a complete and utter disgrace from the man who is supposed to represent a southern electorate,” Ms Petinos said.
Mr Park responded by pointing out the extension – which would cost as much as $2.6 billion – would come with a toll.
This project is not a priority at a time when funding will be limited.
- Keira MP Ryan Park on stage one of the F6 extension
“One of the small problems is that this will cost our community about $100 a week,” Mr Park said.
READ MORE: F6 Extension could mean double the tolls
The Keira MP also claimed the extension offered no benefits for the Illawarra and the only way to fix that would mean “massive destruction” of the Royal National Park.
A fourth stage from Loftus to Waterfall would have to go through the park; the government has said this will not happen.
Which means the F6 extension will never actually link up to the F6.
Instead of spending the billions on the F6 extension, Mr Park said Labor would “prioritise the South Coast rail line”.
“Where would we put the money?,” Mr Park said.
“We would put it into upgrades for the South Coast rail line and the T4 line to ensure public transport is first and foremost, and not into huge tolls for local commuters.
“That is what Labor is about and that is what we will argue for all the way to the election.”
Speaking outside parliament, Mr Park said the other two stages were “out in the never-never and won’t happen”.
“This project is not a priority at a time when funding will be limited and we have an existing public transport link that would be enhanced by additional funding,” Mr Park said.
“The project may be one that you look at down the track but not before a substantial investment is allocated to the South Coast and Illawarra rail lines.”
Also speaking outside parliament, Kiama MP Gareth Ward said while in government “Labor promised 12 rail lines and delivered none of them”.
Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
