Nalder blames Ludlam for Freight delay - The West Australian

source: the west australian

Nalder blames Ludlam for Freight delay

 Nalder becomes confused, again

West Australian Transport Minister Dean Nalder has admitted he incorrectly claimed the contentious Perth Freight Link project had received all environmental approvals, including federal.

And he's laid the blame at the feet of the Greens, telling state parliament on Wednesday that the Commonwealth "has had to delay because of a political stunt by Scott Ludlam".

Mr Nalder made the comment about approvals at an earlier press conference but later told parliament he'd received advice that it was incorrect.

He's now angry at Senator Ludlam, who hopes to initiate an inquiry into the $1.6 billion project, given the Abbott government refused a Senate motion ordering it to table further documents about the road's costs and benefits.

Mr Nalder told reporters he was not concerned about an inquiry.

He also said he had good commercial reasons not to reveal those project details, which could prompt proponents to bid using inflated prices.

"We are going through a process and working with proponents as to the appropriate contract and the pricing that goes with that," Mr Nalder said.

"We're not going to put at risk the contract negotiations and put a potentially higher price on anything by putting out information that would put the state in a worse position.

"I have no qualms about the information and the business case behind this - it is a great project."
Mr Nalder said he would share details about the project once the route was finalised, but angry members of the community - including residents who may have their homes resumed to make way for the road - are demanding answers now.

He apologised to Palmyra residents for the uncertainty they're enduring while a tunnel option is considered.

The WA government was "not rushing it" and was mulling over all of the alternatives routes, he added, and the priority was ensuring safe roads and tackling congestion.

Mr Nalder also emphasised the road would only impose tolls on trucks, and said the state government was committed to not extending that to private vehicles.

read the original article from the West Australian HERE