Daly River Community Needs Ignored

The needs of the communities west of the Daly River Crossing have again been ignored by the Martin Government, says Fay Miller, Shadow Minister for Transport.

"With a record $180 million allocated for roads in this year's budget it is deeply disappointing that the Minister for Transport, Delia Lawrie, couldn't find the necessary funds to provide an all weather crossing at Daly River.

"Each wet season thousands of Territorians living west of the Daly River crossing are cut off from the rest of the Territory when the crossing is submerged by rising waters.

"For up to five months its like the region has a moat thrown around it and the only way out is by air or water.

"Being water locked is an annual drag on the development of the region, forcing up the cost of living and discouraging investment.

"Unfortunately it seems the communities west of the Daly River Crossing are at the bottom of the Martin Government's list of priorities.

"This year I've sought 4 meetings with the Minister for Transport, Delia Lawrie, to discus the need for an all weather crossing and not once has the Minister made time to see me.

"Letters to Delia Lawrie on the 11th of January 2007, 24th of January 2007, 14th of March 2007 and 26th of April 2007 requesting a meeting remain unanswered.

"Aside from being a complete dereliction of ministerial duty, her failure to meet with me to discuss this issue highlights the profound hypocrisy of the Minister.

"Delia Lawrie is forever attacking people for not seeking briefings but she consistently fails to organise requested briefings.”

2007-05-04