Local Government NSW has asked the Berejiklian Government to clarify an election promise to take back 15,000km of regional roads from councils.
The Government announced in February 2019 that up to 15,000km of regional roads would be transferred to the state as part of a broader support package enabling local councils to better manage and maintain the rural road network.
An independent panel was convened earlier this year to deliver recommendations for the transfer (by July 2021) and to conduct a NSW Road Classification Review as part of the Future Transport 2056 plan.
Recently, however, media reports have drawn attention to a report by the former Roads and Maritime Services agency suggesting the Government reconsider the financial implications of taking responsibility for regional roads.
In response, LGNSW issued a media release which quoted President Linda Scott saying: “It is absolutely vital the NSW Government sticks to this commitment, and we will be seeking assurances that they will follow through with their promise”.
LGNSW has written to Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole seeking clarification of the Government’s commitment and asking for assurances that councils will not be left worse off at the end of the review process.