NSW has to pay up

WE have long memories north Queensland-NSW border.

We have not forgotten how NSW refused to pitch in any of the $543 million (at 2008 prices) needed to overcome crossborder traffic gridlock that was only fixed – after years of ducking, weaving, blocking and eventually outright hostility from the Sydney-based NSW government – when Queensland built the Tugun bypass.

The fact much of that vital stretch of the M1 was in NSW meant nothing to them.

Canberra contributed $120 million, leaving Queensland to bankroll $423 million, $380 million of which was used for construction on the NSW side.

NSW even later sent Queensland a land tax bill of $243,607 for the NSW properties our state had to buy so bypass construction could go ahead.

There was no recognition the project was benefiting NSW commuters and freight companies.

Little wonder the Queensland government warned NSW politicians not to come to the official opening on June 1, 2008.

So with all due respect to Tweed MP Geoff Provest, Tweed councillors and the current NSW Transport Minister, who are all showing a considerably more enlightened approach to transport issues than a myopic and miserly NSW government was capable of a decade ago, the Gold Coast might expect to see the colour of NSW’s money first before agreeing to joint light rail operations.

Any attempt by NSW to link with the Gold Coast system, which would include sorting out ticketing issues, should have funding and other issues firmly bedded down before they are allowed to piggyback on the success of our light rail.

Of course it makes sense that when stage three extends the Gold Coast route to the airport, a Tweed system should be meshed with it.

We agree it would be a boon for commuters and tourism. Therefore we say, go for it. But NSW has to earn this city’s trust and pay its way. of the