Branxton Link Road

The Hon. ROBYN PARKER: My question without notice is addressed to the Minister for Roads. Is the Minister aware of comments by the Federal member for Hunter about the F3 to Branxton Link Road that he is no longer convinced the project is the best option for the area and wants a new independent assessment? Is the Minister aware that his State colleague the member for Maitland, Frank Terenzini, told Parliament last month that the building of this link road has become a major priority, and the member for Cessnock, Kerry Hickey, said in the State election campaign that this was the top road priority in his electorate and would relieve congestion on the New England Highway and George Booth Drive? Will the Minister clarify which comments he supports and why?

The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: As I am not aware of the specific comments, I would like to check their accuracy. Any investment on Hunter roads is welcome. The Government is committed to continuing to upgrade the New South Wales roads network and we will work towards that end.