The NSW roads minister has told a budget estimates hearing she was not aware of a $1 million grant for flying cars announced by former deputy premier John Barilaro, but has defended official efforts on a "future strategy".
Natalie Ward was on Wednesday quizzed over a proposed 2026 certification regime for "flying vehicles" as part of a yet-to-be-released Future Transports 2060 Strategy Paper.
"Apparently you're considering this technology as part of that strategy to provide fast and affordable point-to-point on demand connectivity," Labor's Daniel Mookhey put to the minister.
Ms Ward said the process for developing the plan was underway, but added the draft had yet to be endorsed by the Perrottet government.
"Work on that strategy is ongoing. I don't think it's a laughing matter. It's important for us as a government to have a future strategy," she said.
Labor's John Graham queried Ms Ward about a $950,000 grant he said the government had "put behind" a flying cars proposal in the town of Narromine.
Mr Graham said Mr Barilaro, who is currently the subject of a parliamentary inquiry into his appointment to a US trade role, announced the grant in July 2020.
"Are you aware of that grant?" Mr Roberts asked.
"That was before my time and not part of my remit," Ms Ward said.
Mr Roberts suggested to the minister: "Given you can't fix the roads in western Sydney why are you promising flying cars?"
"That's a cheap shot Mr Graham ... We are getting on with the job of building life changing infrastructure for the people of NSW," she replied.
Earlier, Ms Ward ruled out any plans to privatise the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel or under-construction Western Harbour Tunnel, a major project set to create a bypass of the Sydney CBD.
Ms Ward confirmed she would not cut a deal with toll road operator Transurban on the projects.
Transurban operates 10 roads in Sydney and has one of the remaining projects that makes up mega-project WestConnex, set for completion in 2023.
"We are absolutely not doing that and the scare campaign needs to stop," Ms Ward said.
Mr Mookhey also queried Ms Ward about what he said was a forecast 28 per cent jump in toll revenue in 2024/25.
"Can you give us your explanation as to why all of a sudden we're expecting to collect this additional $50 million?" Mr Mookhey asked.
Ms Ward said the increase was due to the M6 - an under-construction motorway in southwest Sydney - being completed by that time.
"It's anticipated that will be included," she said.
Labor has pledged to use toll revenue from the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel to offset tolls on privately owned roads, if elected at the March state election.
The government has announced it will provide quarterly rebates to frequent toll road users, with drivers eligible to receive up to $750 back each year.
Ms Ward also ruled out two-way tolling on the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel, but stopped short of the same guarantee for the Western Harbour Tunnel.
"We haven't determined what that toll will be."
Earlier this month an upper house inquiry found drivers were paying more than $2 billion a year in tolls. It urged for caps on tolls, and a review of any increases.
