Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday announced a major new transport interchange for the Macquarie Park precinct in Sydney, as part of his campaign to help John Alexander retain his seat at the Bennelong by-election set for December 16.
Turnbull said a $100 million deal between his Government and NSW’s Berejiklian Government would mean faster and smoother transitions between buses, trains and taxis, thanks to the construction of a new bus interchange connecting Macquarie University and Macquarie Centre, above the Macquarie University train station.
“This interchange is a game-changer for peak-hour commuters who travel to and from Macquarie Park every day,” the PM said. “It will provide faster, safer and easier transitions between various transport options.
“John Alexander has campaigned tirelessly for better transport services for his community. We are delivering the transport infrastructure to ensure Sydney residents spend more time at home with their family and less time commuting.’’
Alexander resigned from parliament in early November, conceding he may be a citizen of the United Kingdom, along with Australia.
Having sorted out his citizenship, he is now running in the subsequent by-election for his seat of Bennelong, against Labor’s candidate, former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally.
The Coalition needs to win Bennelong to maintain its slim majority in the House of Representatives.
NSW transport minister Andrew Constance said federal funding towards a new interchange would support the NSW Government’s work in improving local transport and the construction of the Sydney Metro, which will see Macquarie University station transformed to a metro standard.
“We have been doing our homework in preparing a strategic business case for the transport priorities of Macquarie Park, this important injection of funding from the federal government will allow us to fast track a better interchange for our customers,” Constance said.
Work will begin immediately on a business case that will determine the final design and whether parts of the interchange should be built underground.
Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas slammed the news, labelling Turnbull (not for the first time) as the “Prime Minister for Sydney,” and saying the PM was “pork barrelling Bennelong in a desperate attempt to save his political bacon”.
“Malcolm Turnbull is a one-trick pony,” the Labor state treasurer said, “forever focused on Sydney while short changing Victoria. We’re the fastest growing economy in the country, no thanks to Malcolm Turnbull who couldn’t find us on a map and refuses to give us our share.”
Pallas highlighted figures showing Victoria receives just 10% of federal infrastructure funding despite being home to more than a quarter of Australia’s population.
$100 million for a bus interchange! Pricey.
I am puzzled. I catch the bus there. Isn’t there already a bus interchance there?