Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has called on Member for South Coast Liza Butler to back her Shoalhaven City Councillor Labor colleagues and stand up for our community over her Sydney-centric Labor Government’s failure to invest in local rail and public transport.
Yesterday’s State Budget included no money for additional seats or services on the South Coast rail line, particularly the line south of Kiama.
This morning, Mr Ward moved a Notice of Motion pointing out that NSW Labor is at odds with Labor Party Shoalhaven City Councillors.
“Whilst all Shoalhaven City Councillors, including Labor Party Councillors, backed investments in the South Coast Rail Line, the Labor Member for South Coast told 2ST/Power FM news this morning that upgrading South Coast Rail south of Wollongong isn’t a priority for the Minns Labor Government.
“Whilst NSW Government did announce $10 million for more studies on public transport down to Wollongong, this week’s budget didn’t provide funding for a single new seat or a single new service.
“NSW Labor also cut the Toolijooa Passing Loop project which would have doubled the capacity of the South Coast Line. Clearly, there is a major divide in local Labor members.
“Shoalhaven Labor Councillors should be commended for standing up to Liza Butler who is only interested in backing her government’s Sydney-centric agenda over the needs of rail and public transport commuters on the South Coast,” Mr Ward concluded.
Mr Ward’s motion in Parliament today was: