NEW England candidate David Ewings reaffirmed Labor’s commitment on Friday to fund the overpass of the Kelly Street level crossing at the intersection of the main north railway and New England Highway.
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And, the Scone resident said it was time for action, not words.
“In April Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon and I announced that Labor would proceed with the Commonwealth’s $45m contribution towards the project, which had been allocated by the previous Labor government,” Mr Ewings said.
“If the Abbott/Turnbull/Joyce government had got on with the job rather than playing politics, we would be driving over the railway line and no longer sitting in traffic waiting for coal trains to pass.
“Earlier this week we saw Barnaby Joyce announce that he would contribute $10m towards the project but only if he is elected as the Member for New England.
“It was Barnaby’s Sophie Mirabella moment.”
Ms Sophie Mirabella, ex-member for the regional Victorian seat of Indi, promised a significant funding commitment for a hospital in her former electorate during the 2013 federal election, only to have the funding withdrawn when she lost the election.
“It is yet another sad example of the Nationals playing politics with our divided town,” Mr Ewings said.
“Labor’s contribution stands whether I am elected or not.
“Scone residents and all who use the New England Highway need a representative who will stand up for their interests and not put their personal electoral fortunes ahead of those of the communities they seek to represent.”
