Business hopes elections in NSW will pave for fresh start on infrastructure
The nation's peak infrastructure industry group, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, has welcomed the election of the new Coalition Government, saying that a new government allows NSW a clean break in dealing with its infrastructure challenges.
"Business welcomes the election result and the opportunity it presents to get the State's infrastructure planning and development back on track after years of neglect", said IPA Chief Executive Officer Brendan Lyon.
"The election of a new Government provides the opportunity to begin to resolve the key infrastructure challenges facing the State.
"Barry O'Farrell has already staked his claim to being the 'Infrastructure Premier' and industry looks forward to working with the new Government to help develop and implement the co-ordinated, evidence-based infrastructure agenda NSW desperately needs.
"The Coalition's commitment to establish Infrastructure NSW is particularly welcomed by business because it will deliver certainty around future infrastructure priorities in the State.
"New South Wales needs to know now what it wants to look like in 2050 and get on with delivering the major infrastructure projects it needs, in order of priority.
"There is no magic wand for the significant infrastructure challenges NSW faces; major projects take years to plan, fund and deliver, and everyone is realistic about the scale of the challenge.
"Mr O'Farrell is backed by a strong line up of new ministers who have a keen appreciation of the need to get good infrastructure projects moving.
"Andrew Stoner, Mike Baird, Gladys Berejiklian, Greg Pearce and Brad Hazzard have all engaged actively with the infrastructure sector, and we look forward to working closely with them as they move to implement their ambitious infrastructure agenda.
"The Coalition's approach to policy development has been consultative and constructive and business looks forward to continuing this relationship to deliver the best infrastructure outcomes for NSW."