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Rail plan shelved in NSW?

Catherine Deshayes

Speculation that the Government may shelve the $12 billion North-West Metro rail plan in New South Wales has been rife after shortfall in state Government revenue.

Public transport remains a top priority, says New South Wales Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt, in the face of speculation that the North-West Metro rail plan, part of the CBD rail link, will be ditched.

Premier Nathan Rees said yesterday he was 'pulling back' from the ambitious plan after announcing a $1 billion shortfall in State Government revenue.

Mr Rees said the budget blow-out may affect big capital works programs and could also lead to higher taxes.

The CBD rail link, which is expected to be built by 2017, includes three new stations and aims to ease the congested North Shore Line and City Circle.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported that the Transport Ministry's plans for the West Ryde-to-Malabar rail link would have stations at the University of NSW, Moore Park, Drummoyne, Gladesville and Ryde.

There remains much support for the rail link, from the Sydney Chamber of Commerce and the State Opposition, both of whom say that the Government should push ahead and complete it.

Ms Tebbutt says every possible fund raising option will have to be considered in order to get the rail link back on track.

"We need flexibility to be able to deal with these financial challenges, but obviously we're very aware as a Government that increased taxes are something that are never warmly received," Ms Tebbutt went on to say.

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