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HANSARD EXCERPT: ERIC ROOZENDAAL ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM LEE RHIANNON

"And from the pollies....(not in heaven)

State Parliament: Questions without Notice LA Hansard Tues 19 Sept 06

BICYCLE NETWORK POLICIES

Ms LEE RHIANNON: I direct my question to the Minister for Roads. Given the cuts in expenditure to the Roads and Traffic Authority's [RTA] bicycle network facilities projects, recent removal of bicycle lanes on William Street and other streets surrounding the Cross City Tunnel and delay in establishing bicycle lanes at the Lane Cove Tunnel, do you agree, Minister, that cyclists and pedestrians need an advocate for their interests within the RTA? Will you reinstate the Senior Executive Service position of General Manager, Bicycles and Pedestrians, abolished by Michael Costa, the former Minister for Roads, in 2005? Or will you perpetuate the anti-bike policies of your predecessor and leave cyclists and pedestrians to their own devices-are you a Costa, or will you change?

The PRESIDENT: Order! I call the Treasurer to order.

The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: I am disappointed that, despite the fact that the honourable member was a member of the Cross City Tunnel inquiry and supported reversal of a number of things that included the bikes, she has changed her position. It is frankly untrue to say that the New South Wales Government does not support bicyclists and cycleways. <11> In 2006-07 the New South Wales Government will spend $71.3 million on cycleways. In 2006-07 the Roads and Traffic Authority will provide facilities for the use of cyclists as part of major road construction projects and directly fund bicycle-specific programs valued at more than $7 million. An estimated $6 million worth of cycling facilities will also be delivered by the private sector as part of the Lane Cove Tunnel project.

As I have advised the house, in 1999 the New South Wales Government released BikePlan 2010 with a commitment of $251 million over 10 years to deliver an average of 200 kilometres of cycling facilities each year. The Government has provided more than $220 million for bicycle programs since BikePlan 2010 was released, with a further $71 million of works to be completed this financial year. As at 30 June 2006, an average of 236 kilometres of cycling facilities have been provided by the Government each year since 1999, which exceeds that projected in BikePlan 2010. This Government is clearly committed to encouraging cyclists and bicycleways as a way to improve the health of the community and to encourage alternative forms of transport.

Ms LEE RHIANNON: I have a supplementary question. Will the Minister reinstate the senior executive services position of general manager, bicycles and pedestrians-yes or no?

The Hon. John Ryan: Point of order: I had difficulty hearing the Minister's answer because of the interjections of the Hon. Michael Costa. He is obviously very enthusiastic about sacking people. I think he had a plan to sack 20 per cent of the public service.

The Hon. Michael Costa: You are planning to get rid of 29,000!

The Hon. John Ryan: Apparently the Minister would better that by a factor of two. If he could curb his enthusiasm-

The PRESIDENT: Order! I remind all honourable members that to take offence at interjections is hypocritical unless they have never interjected themselves. All interjections are disorderly. Does the Minister wish to answer the question?

The Hon. Jennifer Gardiner: Get on your bike!

The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: There are a lot of bikes around Glebe. That is the extent of the honourable member's geographical expenditure. The honourable member is the only member of The Nationals living in Glebe. I am advised the new Roads and Traffic Authority [RTA] chief executive officer is finalising plans to streamline the top levels of the RTA.

The PRESIDENT: Order! I cannot hear the Minister.

The Hon. Duncan Gay: He has lost half the voters in Glebe.

The PRESIDENT: Order! I call the Hon. Duncan Gay to order for the first time.

The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: This is necessary to refocus the RTA on the core goals of construction, maintenance, road safety and service delivery. As an initial step, some RTA directorates are to be amalgamated, thereby reducing the number of directors. This is an appropriate approach by the new CEO, who is committed to improving client services and customer satisfaction. I will certainly support him as he continues to restructure the directorate and management level of the RTA..."

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