NSW government places Beaches Link and Blue Mountains tunnel projects on-hold to invest in higher priority projects : TunnelContact.com

NSW government places Beaches Link and Blue Mountains tunnel projects on-hold to invest in higher priority projects

By Steve McMillan 700 days ago Replies (3)

Blue Mountains Tunnel, the would be longest road tunnel project of the world has now been placed on hold, along with the ex-Premier Berejiklian's pet project Beaches Link Road Tunnel.

According to a report published by Infrastructure NSW on 31 May 2022, these two projects do not get the priority to start implementation. The report titled 'State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2044: Staying Ahead' outlines the State’s infrastructure needs and priorities for the next 20 years.

In the recommendations section, it reads:

48 Reconsider the timing and sequence of future megaprojects to diversify the State’s investment program and mitigate delivery risks

a. Reconsider the urgency, need and timing of megaprojects in the State’s forward pipeline and focus on those with the greatest benefits and need.

b. In the foreseeable future, sequence megaprojects to ensure their best chance of success, ideally once existing projects are in stable delivery.

c. In the sequencing exercise, reconsider the timing and need for Beaches Link, the M6 Stage 2, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, the central tunnel for the Great Western Highway - Katoomba to Lithgow upgrade, further stages of the Sydney Metro or rail projects (Sydney CBD to Zetland, Western Sydney International Airport to Leppington or Campbelltown) and regional major dam projects (New Dungowan, Wyangala).

d.Refocus the investment program by bringing forward programs of smaller to mid-sized projects identified by portfolio agencies.

e.Resolutely apply procurement practices for large complex projects that de-risk projects, reduce the costs of participation for bidders and increase participation by tier 2 and tier 3 contractors and new entrants.

Later the Premier Dominic Perrottet said the government go ahead with some projects like the Parramatta Light Rail project but neither the Beaches Link nor the Blue Mountains Tunnel have been mentioned.

Infrastructure NSW site 'State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2044: Staying Ahead' report landing page:

https://infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/news/2022/may/31/staying-ahead-infrastructure-nsw-publishes-the-2022-state-infrastructure-strategy/https://infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/news/2022/may/31/staying-ahead-infrastructure-nsw-publishes-the-2022-state-infrastructure-strategy/

ABC news about the Premier's statement.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-01/nsw-government-road-projects-paused-budget-constraints/101116124