Tiger Brennan Drive Delays Continue

Federal Member for Solomon, David Tollner MP today welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement that the Federal Government will increase its contribution for the Tiger Brennan Drive extension project to $36 million.

Additionally, Mr Tollner called on Chief Minister Clare Martin to get on with the job and stop wasting taxpayer's money because every day that she continues to delay, costs continue to rise.

"Because of the Territory Labor Government's failure to accurately cost the original project proposal, and delays in commencing construction, the original estimate of the cost of this project, according to the NT Government, has escalated from $27.2 million to $64 million six months ago and now stands at $72 million,” Mr Tollner said.

"Despite this increase, the Federal Government will stand by it's commitment to meet 50% of the cost of the project.”

"The project is critically important to Darwin and Palmerston as it links to our port and trade. It will also remove congestion points and improve safety as well as relieving pressure on other arterial roads including the Stuart Highway,” Mr Tollner said.

"The Federal Government has previously committed to this project by putting $13.7 million on the table in 2004. The Northern Territory Labor government has failed to use those funds despite the monies being available since 2004.”

"The money to start the project is on the table. The Northern Territory Labor Government should now get on with the work as quickly as possible.”

2007-08-29