Politics Blog - February 26
Government to take $550 million from public transport for 'pothole prevention' and roads
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has just released his plan for the transport system, signalling massive cuts to public transport funding.
Brown has proposed taking $550 million from the combined rail, walking, cycling and public transport budgets, as he promises a new "pothole prevention fund" and more state highways.
The proposed 2024/25 transport budged included an extra $780 million for state highways and local roads, while the active and public transport budget would fall.
Announcing his policy statement at 4pm, Brown said the Government was committing to develop 15 new "roads of national significance".
"All new roads of national significance will be four-laned, grade-separated highways," Brown said.
Money within the local roads and state highways' maintenance funding would also be ring-fenced for a new "Pothole Prevention Fund".
He said there were more than 60,000 potholes needing repairs last year, "the highest number in 10 years", and this had become a danger and hindrance across the country.
Brown has proposed taking $550 million from the combined rail, walking, cycling and public transport budgets, as he promises a new "pothole prevention fund" and more state highways.
The proposed 2024/25 transport budged included an extra $780 million for state highways and local roads, while the active and public transport budget would fall.
Announcing his policy statement at 4pm, Brown said the Government was committing to develop 15 new "roads of national significance".
"All new roads of national significance will be four-laned, grade-separated highways," Brown said.
Money within the local roads and state highways' maintenance funding would also be ring-fenced for a new "Pothole Prevention Fund".
He said there were more than 60,000 potholes needing repairs last year, "the highest number in 10 years", and this had become a danger and hindrance across the country.