Federal and State MPs have hit out at the NSW State Government and the Australian Federal Government after it was announced the funding for the New England Rail Trail had been cut.
State Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan said:
“I have been pushing for more funding so it is incredibly disappointing to hear there will be cuts made to the Northern Tablelands.
Without funding we won’t have the ability to complete projects, improve facilities and upgrade equipment which are so important to regional areas.
Whether you were for or against the Rail Trail, the reality is Mr Minns and Mr Albanese have taken approximately $14.1million out of our region.
But rest assured, I will continue to fight hard for funding in the region.”
Mr Moylan has called on the Federal and State Governments to ensure the funding will remain in the Glen Innes and Armidale local government areas for other projects.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce also had strong words to say about the funding cut:
“Once again, the Labor Government have proven they just don’t like the regions and have no vision for regional Australia.
The funding of over $14 million under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program was a massive investment for our local communities. The Labor Government has just ripped this away.
The Labor Government needs to explain to those people why they are being stripped of such a major investment.
These programs were designed to recognise the enormous impacts of the devastating bushfires which decimated our regional communities. The Labor Government’s short-term memory proves they just don’t care and don’t see past the city limit”
Glen Innes Severn Council has formally appealed to The Hon. Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management, and The Hon. Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW, calling for a review of the decision and the reinstatement of funding.
