Northern Territory Government Wrong and Hopeless

"Today's announcement of the Territory Government promising to upgrade rail crossings in Alice Springs is welcomed, albeit 4 years after refusing to do so,” says Araluen MLA, Jodeen Carney.

"In early 2004, I surveyed residents about improving the Ilparpa crossing, the response was overwhelming: residents wanted improvements made.

"I then raised the matter in Parliament on 19th February 2004, and asked: Why do you [the Minister] refuse to upgrade the crossing at Lipuria Road, and will you do so before there is a fatality?”

"Today's announcement by Delia Lawrie is an admission that the job should have been done 4 years ago.

"Nor do we have anything other than some quite vague timelines regarding these rail upgrades.

"The Minister's media release states: The upgrades will be undertaken over two years with the completion of priority crossings targeted by the end of the 2009-2010 financial year.

"Given the completion dates are only a target and Labor's dismal record on delivering projects for Alice Springs, a finish date in 2010 is probably optimistic.

"Why is it that this bloody Government has to be dragged kicking and screaming before it actually does anything for Alice Springs'?

"I also note that the Minister is spruiking a public meeting in June about getting a plan for the future of Alice Springs.

"7 years in office and the Labor Government is starting to think about planning for the future of Alice Springs – hopeless.”

2008-04-17