Government of hiding the Cost of the Light Rail

BY TYLER FARDELL

The State Government has come under fire after accusation's they've got something to hide, after refusing to release documents about the cost of the light rail project in Newcastle.

Calls to see the documents by several Hunter MP's were shot down, with the government citing it would breach cabinet confidentiality, or saying it was commercially sensitive.

However, the government responded by stating that releasing such information would put upward pressure on the project's budget and would disclose sensitive information.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the response isn't good enough.

"The Governments obviously trying to hide something," he said.

The matter has been under close scrutiny as the Sydney light rail project experienced a cost blowout of almost $550 million dollars, and many are worried the Governments unwillingness to reveal the information is a sign that it is over budget.

Mr Crakanthrop continued his argument, saying the Government has let everyone down.

"Newcastle's being kept in the dark, it's not good enough".

Where are the documents for the Newcastle Light Rail!

BY TYLER FARDELL

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is under pressure to release key documents about the Newcastle Light Rail project, after concerns were raised about whether or not there will be a cost blowout.

The premier came under fire last week in Parliament over her involvement in the Sydney Light rail project, which had a cost blowout of around $550 million dollars.

The documents for the Light rail project, which includes the business case and project analysis, have not been released or shown to the public, despite numerous attempts from Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp to view the documents.

"The government has been transparent on this in Sydney but certainly not in Newcastle".

"I'm very disappointed that this government won't come forward and be clear on this particular issue".

Many MP's are weary of another cost blowout in Newcastle, after the transport interchange's final cost was $210 million dollars, despite the fact it was supposed to cost $70 million.

"There not being very clear at all, and that would be indicative of a serious cost blowout but there's no clarity around that".

Tim Crakanthorp