Minister for western Sydney: Barry O'Farrell. Picture: Louise Kennerley
o'farrell afr 110415 photo by Louise kennerley Barry O'farrell NSW Premier in his parliement house offfice story by Lisa Murray job #155468087
IN A RESPONSE to questions from the Sun, Mr O'Farrell said infrastructure projects in western Sydney were proof he had performed for the region.
"Having the Premier also as the Minister for Western Sydney underlines the importance the government attaches to the region," he said.
The Premier listed the North West and South West rail links; planned upgrades to Blacktown/Mount Druitt Hospital and to Campbelltown and Nepean hospitals; Erskine Park Link Road; and Richmond Road as achievements.
He had delivered the M5 widening and land releases, he said.
But there seems little difference to the former Labor government's agenda.
Toongabbie MP Nathan Rees oversaw the release of land for the Erskine Park Link Road when he was premier and Labor promised to build the link from Penrith to Blacktown.
A Richmond Road upgrade was overdue but Labor said it would get around to that as well.
Hospital works were also Labor policy.
In March opposition health spokesman Andrew McDonald said funding for hospitals had been set aside by Labor before the election.
"The contract for Campbelltown Hospital was on the Health Minister's desk the first day she started work," he said.
Opposition Leader John Robertson said the same thing about Blacktown/Mount Druitt Hospital.
Nepean Hospital is a joint project that is more than 65 per cent funded by the federal government.
When asked about proposed investment projects in Parramatta that could set his government apart, Mr O'Farrell was circumspect.
On plans to expand the city's university campus on land owned by the state, he said the "government is speaking with the University of Western Sydney about its plans".
On the council's ring road and light rail proposals he said: "We welcome Parramatta Council's work in this area."