|The long-awaited findings and recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the disastrous Rozelle Interchange project have been handed down today.
The report found that the ‘financial model of WestConnex was based on maximising its sale value, which, in turn has driven design decisions that have increased traffic congestion on the Anzac Bridge and its surrounds.’
The report also confirmed what many have known for some time – that traffic congestion particularly on local roads has significantly increased, and that the promised benefits of the Rozelle Interchange have not been delivered.
Kobi Shetty MP for Balmain says:
“This report demonstrates how our community was let down by those in charge. Our community has borne the brunt of the fallout from this disastrous project, and we received none of the supposed benefits that were promised.
“The findings prove that local residents were sacrificed in order to further maximise the sale value of WestConnex.
“The bipartisan privatisation agenda from both Labor and Liberal governments has led to significant profits for multinational toll-road operator Transurban. Meanwhile, our local community has been left with increased traffic congestion and serious safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.
“I welcome the recommendations from the committee, particularly the calls to review traffic light signalling on local roads in Balmain and Rozelle that intersect with Victoria Road. As well as the recommendations for additional public transport services.
“The recommendation for urgent investment in walking and cycling infrastructure to increase safety along Victoria Road is also welcome news. As is the call to install air quality monitors to assess the impact of pollution from the WestConnex exhaust stacks.
“This report provides strong recommendations that could help mitigate the impact of the Rozelle Interchange on local residents. I call on the NSW Labor Government to act quickly to implement all recommendations.”
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