NSW State Budget Infrastructure Plan at risk without red-tape overhaul

The Civil Contractors Federation NSW welcomed the $119 billion essential infrastructure investment outlined in today’s NSW Budget but warned it will not be delivered unless the NSW government removes the red-tape that cuts out local contractors and makes construction slow and unaffordable.

“We have the opportunity to build more houses, schools and hospitals for NSW, but only if we overhaul the pipeline which is deathly slow and clogged by bureaucratic road blocks,” said CEO of the state’s peak body for civil construction industry, Ms Kylie Yates.

“Despite the opportunities, local contractors are currently locked out of 1 in 2 state government projects due to costly red tape, and lack of suitable projects coming to market.”

“We commend the Minns Government for this year’s State Budget in difficult circumstances, and look forward to working with them to help improve infrastructure delivery in NSW.”

Budget highlights welcomed by the NSW civil construction industry include the:

• $119.4 billion Essential Infrastructure Plan to 2027-28 which includes:
  • $62.9 billion in transport Infrastructure
  • $17.6 billion in water infrastructure, including $362.3 million for regional water security (co-funded by the Australian government)
  • $6.1 billion in social housing
  • $9.5 billion in schools and education

“It’s great to see new road projects announced including a $661 million upgrade to Elizabeth Drive to provide access to Western Sydney Airport and the widening of Mamre Road between Erskine Park Road and Kerrs Road, “Ms Yates said.

“We support the funding committed to plan further improvements to regional roads including the Golden Highway from Dubbo to Newcastle, Hume Highway and Mount Ousley.

“Infrastructure investment creates local jobs and keeps our local economy thriving, so we applaud the Minns Government’s continued commitment to a strong pipeline,” Ms Yates said.

“In rolling out this budget over the next four years, civil contractors urge the Minns Government to deliver on its promise to support local industry.

“Building a better NSW means releasing construction tender packages of all sizes and cutting red tape so that local businesses can win head contract opportunities in their own state.”