Perth Freight Link: The inquiry we had to have

source: news.com.au

Perth Freight Link: The inquiry we had to have

Transport Minister Dean Nalder, fast becoming a lone voice on the Freight Link. Source: News Corp Australia

TO paraphrase former Prime Minister Paul Keating: This is the inquiry we had to have. 
 
So far, the Barnett Government has not been able to articulate to the WA public the need to sink $650 million into a new $1.6 billion freight road for Fremantle Port — when a new container port will be needed within 10 to 15 years.

In May this year, Premier Colin Barnett old the media: “For the moment we will maximise the use of Fremantle (Port). “But yes, in 15 years or so’s time there will need to be a new port.”

So why spend $1.6 billion — nearly the same amount of money needed to build the shelved light rail project — on a road which may not be needed in a decade’s time?

As I reported last week, Transport Minister Dean Nalder is fast becoming a lone voice on this project.
Despite insisting that the PFL contracts will be signed in December, Barnett is not singing from the same hymn book.

The proposed Perth Freight Link.

Barnett told The Sunday Times last week: “Roe 8 is essentially project ready with designs and relevant environmental approvals secured, and will be the government’s immediate focus. “We have a way to go on the next section and a final decision on the route for that section is yet to be made.
“Big projects take time to deliver.”

And just as worrying for Barnett is the fact that members of the government’s own Cabinet are now questioning the need for this project.

Read more of this amazing story HERE