OPPOSITION IGNORES RURAL AND REGIONAL NSW
Friday 18 September 2009
Country Labor Convenor Christine Robertson has slammed the NSW Opposition for failing to address any rural and regional transport issues during yesterday's Budget Estimates hearing.
Ms Robertson said the NSW Coalition failed to ask questions on key transport areas and initiatives across country NSW during yesterday's session.
"In the four hours allocated for the hearing NSW Liberal/National Coalition failed to ask a single question about transport initiatives across country NSW," Ms Robertson said.
"It's as if regional NSW doesn't exist in the eyes of the NSW Coalition.
"Tell that to the thousands of rural families who rely on these crucial transport services every year.
"The Rees Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering better transport services for regional families, while the NSW Coalition's silence is deafening."
Ms Robertson said the Rees Government was committed to delivering better services for all residents of NSW, not just those residing in metropolitan areas.
"The Rees Government has allocated $323.3 million this financial year to provide school bus services for country kids and regular route services in country towns and regional centres," Ms Robertson said.
"In July last year, we started rolling out new contracts for the delivery of bus services in rural and regional NSW with all but 2 now in place - ensuring more sustainable services and greater certainty for communities and operators.
"We've introduced the Regional Excursion Daily (RED) ticket for pensioners, seniors and war widow/ers, enabling them to travel as many times as they like on their local service network in the one day for the flat rate of $2.50.
"We've abolished the CountryLink pensioner booking fee and extended the $1 fare deal for children travelling with adults on CountryLink services to a year-round offer.
"The Government has provided financial support to eligible rural and regional taxi operators to install their mandatory security cameras, an important initiative for the safety of drivers and passengers.
"The NSW Opposition's silence on these vital public transport initiatives is a blatant slap in the face for families across rural and regional NSW."
