State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the NSW Treasurer to push ahead today with the M1 extension from Beresfield to Raymond Terrace.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to announce around $4 billion in infrastructure stimulus projects today and the M1 extension was one of four NSW projects short-listed that the NSW Government wanted funding for.
Ms Hornery is calling on the Treasurer to fund the project, even if it is not successful in getting Federal Government money.
Ms Hornery will move a Notice of Motion in the NSW Parliament today calling on the Treasurer to prioritise the project.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Whether the Prime Minister gives NSW the money for the M1 extension or not, the NSW Government needs to get on with the project.”
“The first stage of works on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass is now underway and the final tenders will proceed next year. It’s time to look at the next vital project and the M1 extension has to be the priority.”
“If the project gets Federal money then that is great, but if it doesn’t then the money that was put aside for whatever is funded by the Federal Government should be put towards the M1 extension.”
“The construction of the M1 extension would deliver a number of benefits to the local economy. Last year plans for a large bulky goods site were announced and it will be vital to have the M1 extension in place to deal with the additional traffic and truck movements this project will create.”
“Improving the congestion and safety will also mean the delivery of freight becomes more efficient.”
“I hope the Treasurer can see the benefits this project brings and will fund it as a priority, if the Federal Government doesn’t.”