The State Labor Government must build the north-west rail link now to save the $2 billion blowout caused by its latest 2024 completion date, Member for Castle Hill Michael Richardson said today, having called on the Government in Parliament to start work immediately

Transport Minister David Campbell revealed late yesterday the major cause of the rail link’s $3.5 billion blow out was the delayed starting date.

“The estimated cost was $3 billion in 2006 and even that seemed expensive,” Mr Richardson said.

“No Government is going to fork out $6.7 billion to build 23 km of rail line. What are they planning to do – use gold-plated tracks? 

“This cost blowout almost guarantees Labor will never build the north-west rail link.  It has to be contained.

“We don’t need a Rolls-Royce railway line – a Holden would be fine.

“The Government should be looking at ways of cutting costs without cutting the quality or reliability of the line.

“One way they could do this is to put the Burns Road station above ground. It doesn’t make sense for the Government to put the railway line on the surface and the station underground. The cost of doing this is in the hundreds of millions of dollars – to what benefit?

“That could save up to $500 million. Bring the construction date forward as well and you’re really starting to get back into the ballpark. 

“Many children born in 1998 when the railway was first announced who will have kids of their own by the time it is built under this Government’s timetable.

 “I’m sure there are other ways of reducing costs that would make the railway line more feasible and therefore more deliverable – and that’s what the Government must do.

“Anyone can draw lines on maps – this Government is brilliant at it – but actually getting the job done is considerably more difficult.