While I question the Member's claim regarding consultants, I am pleased to
advise the Government is investing $13.1 billion on transport and roads in
2011-2012, with significant investment in important projects for the Hunter
region, such as:
- $15 million towards the construction of the road-bridge and associated
roads at Glendale, recognising the importance of Glendale and Cardiff as an
emerging major regional centre.
- Almost 20,000 new seats per week for customers traveling from Newcastle to
Sydney, by building up 41 services per week from 4 or 6 carriages to 8
carriages.
- A trial of quiet carriages on Newcastle and Central Coast services.
- Contributing $214 million to the construction of the North Sydney Freight
Corridor, which will benefit commuters from the Hunter.
- The development of a $350 million Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund
(HIIF), which has a mandate to invest in Hunter infrastructure projects,
including transport infrastructure in the region.
- Construction of the Hunter Expressway, a $1.7 billion project funded by the
Australian and NSW Governments. The Hunter Expressway will greatly improve road
connections for the growing populations and economies of Maitland and
Cessnock.
- Other key projects currently underway in the Hunter Region include:
- F3 to Newcastle intersection upgrades to improve safety;
- Newcastle Inner City Bypass, providing an orbital road linking Newcastle's
radial network; and
- New England Highway safety improvements.
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