The NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the CBD and South East Light Rail Project, it has made some strong recommendations in its recently released Report.
The significant financial and health impacts of this project have been recognised and recommendations have been made in relation to property damage and compensation as well as a call for Transport for NSW to provide ongoing mental health support.
One of the big issues that our office has lobbied for on behalf of local residents - the need for an additional stop at Wimbo Park - has been taken up by the committee with a recommendation that Transport for NSW favourably review the need for a stop there.
The Report also recognised there were significant problems with major infrastructure being built as a Public Private Partnership and recommended that the government formally request that the Auditor-General undertake a review into the effectiveness of such contracts for state significant infrastructure projects.
It's time to put an end to major public infrastructure projects being privatised in either construction or operation.
It's disgraceful that people living and working in Surry Hills are still having to put up with the unacceptable impacts and chaos caused by the Sydney Light Rail construction. Construction is now in the 4th year and it looks like the light rail won't be finished for at least another year until March 2020.
The situation in Surry Hills is clearly unacceptable and we will continue to do all that we can ensure that your concerns are taken seriously by the Minister, Transport for NSW and the private contractors.
But as you know, the impacts on residents are ongoing and we need some urgent action from the Liberals and Nationals.
We believe there needs to be:
1) An urgent and independent review of for all compensation claims, and greater communication with residents about this process;
2) Heavy fines for breaches of construction conditions;
3) No non light rail utility works during respite periods, and greater coordination between RMS and contractors; and
4) Replacement of all trees and vegetation removed with similar sized natives.
