Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has criticised the Federal Government for subjecting the Avoca Drive upgrade to a national audit which has now resulted in a three-month delay on works.
“After speaking with Transport for New South Wales, they have confirmed that the Federal Government has included the Avoca Drive upgrade in a three-month audit, alongside several other major infrastructure projects on the Central Coast.”
“Before even one shovel has gone into the ground the Federal Government have pulled the handbrake on this major road upgrade.”
Mr Crouch said that further to the three-month delay, Transport for New South Wales have said that no timeline for this road project has been confirmed, meaning that committed funding is not being delivered.
“It has been more than a year and half since funding was committed by the Federal Government for the Avoca Drive upgrade, and this update from Transport for New South Wales reinforces the fact that funding is not being provided to start the necessary planning and consultation.”
Mr Crouch also said the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Federal Member for Robertson need explain why the three-month delay has been allowed to occur.
“Our community deserves answers, and that is why I have written to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and the Federal Member for Robertson seeking an explanation on why the upgrade is subject to a three-month audit before any works have begun.
“I have also written to the Minister for Regional Roads, Jenny Aitchison seeking confirmation that the State Government’s $30 million commitment will also be delivered as part of this year’s delayed budget announcements.”