NSW Roads Minister Michael Costa has refused requests to meet with residents affected by his decision to expand the study area for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale section of the Pacific Highway upgrade project. Instead he has labelled residents concerns “stunts”.
Greens MLC Ian Cohen asked Mr Costa in Parliament yesterday to travel to the affected areas and hear of the “fear, insecurity and depression” generated by the RTA’s expanded study areas of the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale, Ballina to Woodburn, and Ulmarra to Grafton sections of the Pacific Highway upgrade.
“Michael Costa arrogantly dismissed a legitimate request and chose instead to rubbish the message I had been asked by local residents to deliver to him.
“Residents in the affected areas can rightly feel offended by a Minister who is unaccountable and unrepresentative of public opinion on this issue.”
Mr Cohen has now written to Mr Costa to again request he meet and listen to the concerns of local residents.
“There is enormous concern among residents that the RTA has failed to consult properly but so far Michael Costa has ignored the sentiments being expressed at community meetings throughout the affected areas.
“I will continue to request him directly to come and meet with residents. This is not an issue the RTA or the Minister can afford to simply ignore or pretend to have properly consulted on.
“The next state election is less than two years away and north coast seats are among the most marginal for the government. Stuff ups like this Pacific Highway upgrade will not be forgotten by voters in those seats.”
Further Information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656
No comments:
Post a Comment