Light rail contribution demands damned

Inner west mayors have blasted the State Government for demanding them to fork out the cash for a feasibility study into extending light rail to Dulwich Hill.
Sydney City Council unanimously agreed to contribute $50,000 at its last meeting, however, other councils aren’t so willing to part with much needed money, saying it would divert funds from the upkeep of ailing infrastructure.
Ashfield Mayor Ted Cassidy called it a cynical exercise by the State Government:  “We have a very large backlog of infrastructure that needs to be addressed, and we’re doing our best to keep on top of that sort of work.
“We haven’t got any reserves. We’re a very poor council.”
However, he said the council would consider the ultimatum very seriously.
Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville Councils have already contributed hefty funds to the Greenway project, a study into creating an environmentally sustainable transport corridor through Sydney’s inner west.
But Leichhardt Mayor Jamie Parker said he didn’t want to allow the Government any excuse for not proceeding with the extension of light rail.
“Of course they should be paying for it, there’s no question about that. But do you let the Government off the hook or do you try and work with them to call their bluff?”
Cr Parker said he doubted the Government’s commitment to their promise: “If they were serious they would fund it themselves. If they were serious it would be built already.”
When questioned on why the Government required local councils to contribute, a spokesperson for Transport Minister David Campbell simply said that the study was contingent upon the councils contributing to its cost.
The City of Sydney has already funded several feasibility studies into creating a light rail loop around the CBD.