Shire MPs accused the NSW Opposition of shutting down debate on the F6 extension in State Parliament this week.
Miranda MP Eleni Petinos had submitted a motion on Tuesday calling on the house to support the NSW Government’s extension of the F6 Motorway.
It sparked heated debate with Rockdale MP Steve Kamper calling the proposed F6 extension a “toll trap” and with Keira MP Ryan Park saying it would lead to “the destruction of the second oldest national park in the world.”
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman said this was a lie and accused Mr Park of misleading the house.
And Heathcote MP Lee Evans said the F6 will not impact the Royal National Park in any way.
“I support the government’s decision to move ahead with the planned project development of the first section of the F6,” he said.
“Twin underground tunnels will run four kilometres and reduce traffic congestion along the Princes Highway through Arncliffe, Banksia and Rockdale, and on the Grand Parade through Brighton Le Sands.
“Roads and Maritime services is preparing a comprehensive environmental impact statement which will be exhibited publicly soon.”
But Rockdale MP Steve Kamper described it as a “toll trap”.
“This government is building a road from Kogarah to Arncliffe. It is not an F6; it is a SouthConnex to feed the WestConnex business model,” he said.
“It is a toll trap. Sell it for what it is. Stop lying to the people in our communities.”
Mr Park continued the argument after Ms Petinos outlined the benefits of Stage one of the F6 extension program expected to cost between $2.2 billion to $2.6 billion.
He said that in her speech she had failed to mention two words - toll road.
“This will be a massive toll road,” he said. “One of the small problems is that this will cost (members of) our community about $100 a week.”
Instead, Labor will prioritise the South Coast Line upgrades and the T4 line to ensure public transport is first and foremost, and not huge tolls for local commuters.
“Here is why we may not think this toll road is a priority at the moment. It will cost our people about $100 a week,” Mr Park said.
“And it will involve the destruction of the second oldest national park in the world.”
Ms Petinos said comments about the park were “absolute fake news”.
“There are absolutely no plans to further investigate the remaining area between Loftus and Waterfall for a motorway connection,” she said.
“The national park will not be impacted by the proposal that is on the table at this time.”
When Mr Speakman, Kiama MP Gareth Ward and Oatley MP Mark Coure sought leave to contribute to the debate, they were refused by Labor.
“Labor finally revealed its hand on the government’s F6 extension,” Mr Speakman said. “Labor voted on the voices against a motion supporting it in the Legislative Assembly.
“Labor even gagged debate on the F6. After two speakers on each side as of right [Eleni Petinos, Lee Evans for; Ryan Park, Steve Kamper against], Labor members refused the granting of leave for further speakers. Mark Coure, Gareth Ward and I each individually sought leave and were refused by Labor members.
“It’s now clear that only the Berejiklian government will start the F6 extension.”
Ms Petinos said she could not believe that Labor members would not allow Mr Speakman, Mr Coure and Mr Ward to contribute to the debate, “despite the issue impacting directly on their local communities and all the people they represent.
“The problem with Labor members is that when they do not like what they hear, their only answer is to shut down debate,” she said.
