STATE AND NATIONAL transport entities BusNSW and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator respectively have welcomed the appointment of Minister Andrew Constance and Minister Paul Toole to key NSW transport and roads portfolios.
BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld says the industry has had a professional and productive relationship with Minister Constance and the new combination of transport and roads provides an opportunity to better deal with matters that overlap agencies in the large NSW Transport cluster.
“The association represents a large number of bus operators who service rural and regional communities and we welcome the renewed focus on regional NSW with the appointment of Paul Toole as Minister for Regional Transport and Roads,” said Threlkeld.
“A strong partnership between industry and government, supported by secure service delivery contracts, will be necessary to ensure that further improvements to public transport services in NSW can be delivered.
“The long distance, tourist and charter sector of the industry is dependent on a strong visitor economy and we look forward to working with the newly appointed Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres, to explore opportunities for operators servicing domestic and international tourists.
“The industry also welcomes the appointment of Gareth Ward as Minister for Disability Services and looks forward to discussing opportunities for school bus services for students with disabilities,” Threlkeld said.
FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS
BusNSW President John King says he was excited about working with Ministers Constance and Toole on the BusNSW strategies for further and substantial improvements to public transport over the next term of Government in NSW.
“Our election platform, Moving People NSW – Measures to Shape our Communities – highlighted 20 measures that BusNSW believes could have huge flow-on effects in terms of reducing congestion and creating more desirable places to live and work,” King said.
“We were pleased to get a response from the Liberals and Nationals which provides support for a number of the BusNSW recommendations and a strong commitment to consulting with the industry via BusNSW.
“The Liberals and Nationals made a number of pre-election commitments to improve bus services in greater Sydney and our regions that provide opportunities for the industry and benefits for communities,” King said.
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NHVR WELCOME
Similarly, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has welcomed the appointment of Ministers Toole and Constance to their key NSW roads and transport portfolios.
NHVR chair Duncan Gay said the regulator looked forward to continuing to work closely with the re-elected Berejiklian Government on a range of heavy vehicle reforms.
“The NHVR has had a constructive working relationship with Roads and Maritime Services and I’m committed to continuing this relationship under the new teams,” Gay said.
“On behalf of the board and staff of the NHVR I look forward to working with Paul and Andrew to deliver heavy vehicle safety and productivity programs across the state and the longer term goal to transition NSW heavy vehicle services.
“With a number of large construction projects and significant freight movement within and passing through, NSW is a crucial part of our national network.”
Minister Toole was appointed the Regional Transport and Roads portfolio while Minister Constance was appointed Transport and Roads Minister.
Gay also thanks former Roads Minister Melinda Pavey, who was appointed as Water, Property and Housing Minister.
“I would particularly like to acknowledge the hard work and close co-operation with Melinda and her strong support for ongoing heavy vehicle reform and wish her well in her new portfolio.”