The Prime Minister has announced $3.3 billion for NSW infrastructure projects will be included in tomorrow's federal budget — including $1 billion for a faster rail line between Sydney and Newcastle.
Scott Morrison this morning rolled into a media conference on a truck along a new runway at Western Sydney Airport to speak ahead of Tuesday's budget.
He said the Newcastle to Sydney rail improvements to duplicate 10 kilometres of track between Wyong and Tuggerah would create more jobs.
The improved rail line — with work due to start in 2024 and finish by 2028 — would allow express services to pass slower passenger and freight trains.
"Our infrastructure program will get people home sooner and safer," Mr Morrison said.
But Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher told ABC Radio this morning it was too early to say how much time would be saved.
"There will be more detailed planning before we commit to precise time savings. But what I can say is there has been extensive work done between the Commonwealth government and the NSW government," Mr Fletcher said.
The budget will also include $336 million for upgrades to the Pacific Highway at Wyong and $8 million to duplicate the New England Highway between Singleton and Muswellbrook.
Mr Fletcher said the Western Sydney Airport development, which includes a new 3.7 kilometre runway, was now 30 per cent complete.
"This state-of-the-art airport will be capable of receiving the world's largest passenger aircraft, positioning Western Sydney as an international gateway and providing a significant economic boost to the region," Mr Fletcher said.
It comes as the NSW government is reportedly preparing to delay several multi-billion-dollar mega projects due to labour shortages and escalating costs.
Projects likely to be delayed include the Beaches Link motorway and stage two of the Parramatta light rail line.
Infrastructure and Cities Minister Rob Stokes has been contacted for comment.
