State roads official reveals 'important update' on toll fee probe
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For Australians, particularly those navigating the densely tolled routes of Sydney, the consideration of road-related expenses is an ongoing concern.
Toll fees can quickly add up, making it financially stressful for many.
In a significant development that could affect the finances of countless drivers, New South Wales Roads Minister John Graham has hinted at a crucial forthcoming update.
The source of this buzz is the anticipated interim report from the Fels Tolling Review, an extensive examination of Sydney's elaborate toll road maze.
During budget estimates, Minister Graham stated that the government had received the interim report and that it’s poised to be made public 'shortly'.
'It will be an important update when it comes to the tolling discussion. One I’m very keen to have,' Minister Graham expressed.
All eyes are on the former ACCC chair Allan Fels, whose report is expected to recommend future reforms for Sydney's toll road systems and unravel the closely guarded contractual agreements that have long governed these privatised roads.
The announcement comes as Sydney citizens grapple with the reality that they could fork out a staggering $123 billion in tolls by 2060.
This staggering estimate is based on the current contracts for toll roads expiring that year.
Sydney’s congestion woes and tolls have long been a bone of contention.
While the idea of a London-style congestion tax has been dismissed, and the creation of further toll networks has been ruled out, other proposals remain in contention.
Among them is the introduction of distance-based tolling or adjusting prices based on the time of day, aimed at making travel more affordable during off-peak hours for drivers.
The government's commitment to transparency has not gone unnoticed, especially their resolve to disclose the details of the contracts.
'(The review) will reveal key details for the public that, in my view, should be public,' Minister Graham noted.
Steps have already been taken with the government delivering on its pledge to cap weekly toll costs at $60 for private drivers and providing a multiplier rebate for trucks using the M5 East and M8 to alleviate traffic on smaller, local roads.
However, another pressing matter was brought up during budget estimates—the delay surrounding the Fifteenth Ave upgrade, a key transport corridor for the new Aerotropolis, connecting Bradfield with the Western Sydney International Airport via Liverpool CBD.
Despite the allocation of planning funds worth $50 million, the completion of this project remains uncertain.
Opposition roads spokesperson Natalie Ward interrogated Minister Graham on the timeline, hinting at the possibility of a broken election promise.
'But planning is not an upgrade, is it Minister? Your commitment was to upgrade Fifteenth Ave. Will the people of Leppington get an upgraded road by 2027?' Ms Ward said.
While Graham confirmed ongoing work with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), he underscored the project’s scale and hinted that additional funding will be necessary.
'This is a very big task, and there wasn’t enough funding committed. We’ll have to find more, we’ll have to commit more in future budgets.'
Minister Graham also expressed his desire to be 'upfront' about the 'significant amount of work' required to complete the corridor.
'This work (the $50m planning funding) will be delivered in full. Will it finish the job? Certainly not, there’ll be more work required to any and other areas around the airport,' he said.
'That work has already started…we’ve got more than three years to go before that has to be delivered, and I can guarantee here today, it will be.'
He also acknowledged the importance of the project to ensure workers could travel into the Aerotropolis.
'I think we learned during [COVID-19] that much of the workforce is centred in that Southwest area, but we need to be able to get them to the airport when it opens,' he added.
Members, what are your thoughts on the anticipated updates to Sydney's toll system? Let us know in the comments below!
Toll fees can quickly add up, making it financially stressful for many.
In a significant development that could affect the finances of countless drivers, New South Wales Roads Minister John Graham has hinted at a crucial forthcoming update.
The source of this buzz is the anticipated interim report from the Fels Tolling Review, an extensive examination of Sydney's elaborate toll road maze.
During budget estimates, Minister Graham stated that the government had received the interim report and that it’s poised to be made public 'shortly'.
An interim report from the Fels Tolling Review will be made public soon. Image source: Shutterstock.
'It will be an important update when it comes to the tolling discussion. One I’m very keen to have,' Minister Graham expressed.
All eyes are on the former ACCC chair Allan Fels, whose report is expected to recommend future reforms for Sydney's toll road systems and unravel the closely guarded contractual agreements that have long governed these privatised roads.
The announcement comes as Sydney citizens grapple with the reality that they could fork out a staggering $123 billion in tolls by 2060.
This staggering estimate is based on the current contracts for toll roads expiring that year.
Sydney’s congestion woes and tolls have long been a bone of contention.
While the idea of a London-style congestion tax has been dismissed, and the creation of further toll networks has been ruled out, other proposals remain in contention.
Among them is the introduction of distance-based tolling or adjusting prices based on the time of day, aimed at making travel more affordable during off-peak hours for drivers.
The government's commitment to transparency has not gone unnoticed, especially their resolve to disclose the details of the contracts.
'(The review) will reveal key details for the public that, in my view, should be public,' Minister Graham noted.
Steps have already been taken with the government delivering on its pledge to cap weekly toll costs at $60 for private drivers and providing a multiplier rebate for trucks using the M5 East and M8 to alleviate traffic on smaller, local roads.
However, another pressing matter was brought up during budget estimates—the delay surrounding the Fifteenth Ave upgrade, a key transport corridor for the new Aerotropolis, connecting Bradfield with the Western Sydney International Airport via Liverpool CBD.
Despite the allocation of planning funds worth $50 million, the completion of this project remains uncertain.
Opposition roads spokesperson Natalie Ward interrogated Minister Graham on the timeline, hinting at the possibility of a broken election promise.
'But planning is not an upgrade, is it Minister? Your commitment was to upgrade Fifteenth Ave. Will the people of Leppington get an upgraded road by 2027?' Ms Ward said.
While Graham confirmed ongoing work with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), he underscored the project’s scale and hinted that additional funding will be necessary.
'This is a very big task, and there wasn’t enough funding committed. We’ll have to find more, we’ll have to commit more in future budgets.'
Minister Graham also expressed his desire to be 'upfront' about the 'significant amount of work' required to complete the corridor.
'This work (the $50m planning funding) will be delivered in full. Will it finish the job? Certainly not, there’ll be more work required to any and other areas around the airport,' he said.
'That work has already started…we’ve got more than three years to go before that has to be delivered, and I can guarantee here today, it will be.'
He also acknowledged the importance of the project to ensure workers could travel into the Aerotropolis.
'I think we learned during [COVID-19] that much of the workforce is centred in that Southwest area, but we need to be able to get them to the airport when it opens,' he added.
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