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- 26 September 2007
Infrastructure and Investment Projects
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Mr STEVE WHAN: My question is addressed to the Minister for Planning. Can the Minister provide the House with the latest information on major new infrastructure and investment projects in New South Wales?
Mr FRANK SARTOR: I thank the member for Monaro for his assistance and interest in the planning system of this State. As we move towards the next round of planning reforms the focus is on further streamlining the system to make it easier for mums and dads. But we must remember that we have come a long way and have cut a significant amount of red tape. This includes the assessment of major projects. Today I inform the House that since the election we have approved 138 major projects worth $5.74 billion to the State's economy and more than 25,800 jobs; 86 of those were in regional New South Wales worth $1.2 billion. That is since the election alone.
In fact, since the major projects system was introduced just over two years ago we have approved projects worth nearly five times as much, with more than 670 given the green light, delivering $21 billion in investment to New South Wales. The planning system continues to underpin a State that is open for business while subjecting proposals to the most rigorous environmental assessment. Just today I approved a new water treatment plant at Coffs Harbour that will deliver 80 construction jobs and $32 million in capital investment to the North Coast. The council project will process up to 42 million litres of water per day treating all reticulated supplies flowing from Karangi Dam and helping to secure Coffs Harbour's drinking water supply.
This is just another example of the Iemma Government helping to deliver new infrastructure for New South Wales. Earlier this month I also gave concept plan approval for the new 13-kilometre south-west rail link and my department is assessing submissions on plans for the north-west rail link. The Minister for Transport is getting very excited because that process will soon come to an end, which means that the Government has delivered yet again another important project.
[ Interruption]
Opposition members do not want to hear good news; they hate good news.
The SPEAKER: Order! Members on the Opposition benches will remain silent.
Mr FRANK SARTOR: These will be major transport arteries connecting the 181,000 new homes planned for Sydney's growth centres, making it easier for workers to commute and quicker for them to return home to their families. The new south-west rail link will run between Glenfield and East Rossmore with two new train stations at Edmondson Park and Leppington. The north-west rail link will link Epping with established regional centres such as Castle Hill and new release areas such as Rouse Hill and the north-west growth centre. The Government is meeting its commitments to provide a supply of land and housing that meets demand but is matched with essential infrastructure. I also recently signed off on the next stage of the $338 million Hume Highway duplication.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Lane Cove to order.
Mr FRANK SARTOR: Detailed project approval has now been given to the entire 45-kilometre project, which delivers infrastructure to make our roads safer. We are also delivering new ports infrastructure: firstly, two new coal loaders in Newcastle worth a total of $1 billion in investment for the Hunter and 500 construction jobs, helping to ensure that New South Wales remains globally competitive and reducing shipping queues off the coast; and, secondly, the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre, which I approved after extensive assessment and public consultation, and subject to more than 85 strict conditions.
Mr John Watkins: Another rail project.
Mr FRANK SARTOR: That is right. The intermodal will take up to 300 trucks off the road each day around Port Botany, helping to achieve the Government's target of doubling the volume of cargo moved by rail to 40 per cent.
Mr Thomas George: What about your commitment?
Mr FRANK SARTOR: Renewable energy projects are also moving forward. The member for Lismore is always behind the eight ball but if he listens I will tell him. For example, a $50 million wind farm approved near Yass will include up to 15 wind turbines, providing enough energy for up to 12,500 homes, equivalent to taking nearly 19,000 cars off the road for 30 years.
The SPEAKER: Order! There is far too much audible conversation in the Chamber. Members of the Opposition will cease calling out or they will spend some time outside. The Minister has the call.
Mr FRANK SARTOR: Thank you for your assistance, Mr Speaker. All these projects strengthen the economy, support jobs and make life easier, safer or more convenient for hardworking families. That is why the Government is investing a record $10 billion in infrastructure each year through to the State Infrastructure Strategy. We have a plan to secure the State's future; the Opposition has no plan, nothing, zip, zilch, niente. The Coalition, in fact, was so stuck for an idea during the election that it resorted to using the Government's. In fact, the shadow Minister for Infrastructure, when he was Leader of the Opposition, gave a ringing endorsement of the Government's State Infrastructure Strategy. He said at the time:
The Liberal and National Parties ? if elected ? are committed to delivering the projects outlined in the State Infrastructure Strategy.
They are trying to copy our plan because they have none. That was the former Leader of the Opposition but what does the new Leader of the Opposition say? He is hiding again. What ideas is he coming up with? What are his infrastructure ideas or plan for New South Wales? He cannot say what his plan is because he does not have one.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Wakehurst to order.
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