Peter Andren media release 9 October 2007
Orange City Council has reaped the benefit of the government's desperate pork barrelling in this phoney election campaign with $10M to complete the Orange Bypass' northern distributor, according to Peter Andren Member for Calare.
"Funding for vital national infrastructure such as this should never be tailored to meet the electoral needs of any government and should be distributed according to the greatest need and priority of that need," Mr Andren said.
"I was pleased to support Council, along with other members and candidates such as local independent Gavin Priestley.
"The Member for Parkes continues to operate outside his electorate and I wonder how his constituents in Dubbo feel about his taking credit for all the federal money being showered on Orange.
"It is imperative that the actual money is received by council before, and not after, the election and that it is not bound to Mr Cobb or any other candidate being elected member for Calare. This is a much needed infrastructure project that should not be tied to political goals.
"I am concerned that the government may be bringing forward a lot of money budgeted for future years under AUSLINK II and that this might undermine the long term strategic planning of the program for short term electoral gain.
"This is a good result for road safety in Orange and again I congratulate Council for making its case so strongly," Mr Andren said.
For further information: 02 6332 6229 or 0427 480 825, www.peterandren.com
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