The New South Wales government has indefinitely delayed some of Sydney’s major infrastructure projects due to rising construction costs and labor shortages.
Projects such as the North Beach Tunnel and Parramatta Light Rail have been suspended by Infrastructure NSW.
These projects cost taxpayers around $ 100 million.
The northern beach tunnel has been delayed indefinitely. (9 News)
“What we have recommended is that the government take some time because the construction sector is at its peak,” said Graham Bradley of NSW Infrastructure.
Government officials such as Transport Minister David Elliott have defended the decision to delay the projects.
“The government is not moving away from any of these projects; what we need to recalibrate is the deadline,” he said.
However, the opposition leader believes that these projects will not be delayed but canceled.
“It means a cancellation for them … that’s an old trick that governments use,” Chris Minns said.
The NSW government has decided to delay projects due to construction costs. (9 News)
The projects, which were in their infancy, have caused chaos among Sydney residents who either had their homes purchased or moved to an area to access transport options.
Residents of Balgowlah Street were evicted from their homes after the government acquired it to make way for the northern beach tunnel.
“You feel like your house is being torn down and you can’t do anything about it,” said Nerissa Levy, a former local in Balgowlah.
“Ultimately, people need to be able to plan their lives.”
Thousands of people also moved to Wentworth Point, where the Parramatta Light Rail was established to link Parramatta with Olympic Park.
“The sites around the Olympic Park, high-density neighborhoods were designed to accommodate public transportation,” said David Borger of Business Western Sydney.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
The Parramatta tram has also been delayed indefinitely. (9 News)
In the meantime, there is a proposal to remove the Cahill Expressway connecting the Sydney CBD with the Warringah Freeway.
Sydney Mayor Clover Moore wants the motorway to be demolished once the West Harbor Tunnel is completed.
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