Article: M4 East before North West rail

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http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/m4-east-before-north-west-rail/story-e6freuzi-1226127700361

THE state government's infrastructure body believes projects such as the M4 east could be more important to Sydney than the $8-10 billion North West Rail Link, senior industry sources said yesterday.

Taxpayers elected the O'Farrell government on a mandate to build the 23km line from Epping to Rouse Hill but transport sources said Infrastructure NSW was frustrated it was setting long term priorities.

The glaring hole in its independence was it had no choice but to back the rail link.

"NSW Infrastructure is asking 'Why are we doing all this independent research and planning if all the money is going to one project anyway'?" one source said.

Head of Infrastructure NSW Paul Broad last night backed the government's plans.

"The North West Rail Link was an election commitment, and Infrastructure NSW supports the NSW Government's decision," he said. "Our job is to work with the NWRL project team on the best and most efficient way of delivering the Link, which includes looking at the right ways to engage the private sector."