MEDIA RELEASE
9 September 2008
STATE GOVERNMENT BUDGET SHORTFALL
The State Government claims to have a $1B hole in its budget.
In September 2007, whilst Roads Minister, incoming Treasurer Eric Roozendaal approved expenditure of $46.5M for school zone flashing lights at 400 school zones. That equates to $58,000 per school zone sign.
There are 11,000 school zones in NSW or 22,000 signs. At $58,000 per sign that means installing flashing lights at all school zones, which is needed, would cost $1.3B.
The eight sets of flashing lights that were installed in Peakhurst and Lugarno in 2006 cost $350 each. They have now been operating with 100% reliability and accuracy for over two years, surpassing all of the RTA's overpriced systems.
Instead of cutting back on essential infrastructure the Treasurer should instruct the RTA to adopt cheaper technology, such as the above, which they have been given to use free of charge. They could install such technology on all 22,000 school zone signs for $8M, plus installation costs.
For more information contact:
Peter Olsen
13/55 The Grand Pde
Brighton-le-Sands 2216
0414-538-404
9012-5298 bh
9599-1811 ah