Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole on the closed Mitchell’s Causeway.
Monday 15 June marked 100 days since the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.
That’s 100 days of disruption, uncertainty and economic pain for families, freight operators, commuters and businesses across the Central West.
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the Minns Labor Government has spent the last 100 days talking, studying and consulting while regional communities continue to pay the price.
“Labor has had 100 days and the people of the Central West are still waiting for action,” Mr Toole said.
“This is one of the most important freight and passenger corridors in NSW, yet Labor has failed to provide a clear timeline, failed to deliver a permanent solution and failed to properly support the communities carrying the burden.”
The closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass has forced motorists and heavy vehicles onto alternative routes, increasing travel times, adding to freight costs and reducing customer traffic for businesses throughout the Lithgow, Blue Mountains and Central West regions.
Businesses have reported reduced trading, letting go of staff and growing financial stress as customer numbers decline. Local operators have warned their businesses are becoming unviable under the prolonged closure.
Mr Toole said every extra kilometre travelled by a truck means higher freight costs, every family choosing not to make the trip means less money through the tills of local businesses, and every day this closure drags on means more damage to the regional economy. Despite the closure beginning in March, it was months before the Government announced a modest assistance package for affected businesses.
“After 100 days of economic pain, the Minns Labor Government’s response has been too little, too late.”