NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell today visited Maitland Railway Station with Maitland-based MLC Robyn Parker and met with local commuters who are angry they are going to foot the bill for another Labor Sydney transport plan, but get nothing in return.

“Labor’s latest Sydney-centric transport election scam will see Maitland residents slugged with a $30 car rego tax and taxpayers, including commuters, forced to pay for the $330 million wasted on the axed Rozelle Metro,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“Yet again, Maitland residents will miss out on public transport improvements because the State ALP takes the Hunter for granted,” he said.

“From Carr to Keneally, the State Labor Government has always been happy to rip money out of the Hunter, but failed to re-invest it in improved local transport services.

“The latest transport plan is the 10th since Labor was first elected in 1995 and, just like their 1998 promise of a high speed train link between Sydney and Newcastle, it’s all about winning the next election and not about giving the public the transport they need.

“All this latest plan offers Maitland and Hunter residents are a $30 car rego tax, continued congestion on roads and a bill for their share of the Rozelle Metro compensation.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals’ plan for an Integrated Transport Authority offers the community hope of an end to Labor’s costly and piecemeal approach to transport.

“It will restore rigour to planning, ensure better oversight to avoid cost blowouts and delays and guarantee projects are chosen to suit the community’s needs.

“To limit the politics involved, our Integrated Transport Authority will be oversighted by an independent board able to ‘blow the whistle’ if decisions aren’t followed,” Mr O’Farrell said.

Ms Parker said local residents have every right to be angry they are being slugged for the failed Sydney Metro and Labor’s Sydney transport election plan.

“Time and time again Labor puts its hand into the hip pocket of Maitland residents, rips out our hard earned cash and delivers nothing in return,” Ms Parker said.

“I will continue to fight for change so that Maitland and the Hunter gets its fair share of transport funding under a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government,” Ms Parker said.