Bah, Humbug! No Joy For Our Region

Illawarra Mercury

Friday December 14, 2007

By BRETT COX

THE reaction of substitute Santa, Morris Iemma, to Illawarra's Christmas wish list was more scrooge than huge yesterday, but there were indications he might have some belated gifts to give out in 2008.

The NSW Premier was asked about the wish list published on the front page of yesterday's Mercury during a visit to the Tallawarra power station site, where he continued to talk up the Government's electricity privatisation plans revealed on Monday.

Specific projects announced so far for the expected $15 billion windfall have been centred mainly around Sydney, leaving some to wonder what would be left for the Illawarra when other, broader expenditure plans were fleshed out.

But Mr Iemma gave assurances the people of the Illawarra would "get their fair share".

"It's a win-win. We can secure our future electricity at no cost to taxpayers while freeing up vital dollars that we can invest for transport, infrastructure, health services and education services," he said.

Pressed on the wish list, Mr Iemma said he would follow the progress of the Federal Government's feasibility study on the Maldon-to-Dombarton freight line and then look at whether it was worthwhile.

An extension of the F6 was "a project that the Government could proceed on", but it was not imminent.

Mr Iemma said $400 million had been spent recently on the Princes Hwy but hinted the region's roads could benefit in new year funding.

A spokesman for the joint South Coast councils' highway taskforce, PHocus, suggested yesterday $1 billion should be used for a Princes Hwy upgrade.

"I'll go away ... and come back next year and release the detail," Mr Iemma said.

But State Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell told the Mercury he believed the $15 billion had already been targeted at marginal seats in Sydney.

"Illawarra has again been scorned by the Government," he said.

Meantime, the South Coast Labour Council has resolved to take the fight to the Government.

At a meeting on Wednesday the council agreed to organise a community campaign addressing the issue of privatisation across all industry. Council secretary Arthur Rorris believes jobs will be lost and household bills will rise under the Government's plan.

Mr Iemma rejected this, saying he would continue to consult unions and other stakeholders, but there was no turning back.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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