State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the Government to commit to building the new Regional Rail Fleet in the Wallsend electorate.
The Government has announced it intends to replace the ageing Xplorer and Endeavour fleets, as well as the XPT.
This is an opportunity for the Government to commit to build them here and invest in the state’s heavy manufacturing industries.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“This Government has a track record of kicking workers while they are down, after last year announcing that the $2.3 billion project to build the new fleet of intercity trains was being sent overseas.”
“Now we see the Government announce the replacement of the Regional Rail Fleet and there is no commitment to build these trains locally, and no local content requirements.”
“Without these commitments, it is likely that we will see these trains being built overseas.”
“Our manufacturing industry is disappearing, and coupled with a lack of skilled workers due to TAFE cuts, increases in fees and the proliferation of dodgy private training providers because of this Government’s failed Smart and Skilled policy, the failure to invest in our local manufacturing sector will mean trouble for the local economy into the long-term.”
“The Deputy Premier and the Minister for Regional Development says that we don’t build trains in NSW. It shows how out of touch he is because we have that capability right here in the Wallsend electorate.
“Our local workers can build these contracts on time and on budget.”
“The Government should commit to build them here.”