Barry the Builder – Can he fix it?
Left: Sydney’s ferries look set to receive an overhaul under Barry O’Farrell’s reign.
Infrastructure looks set to enjoy something of a renaissance in New South Wales under the new state government. But with great expectations and tight budgets the task is daunting – success may come down as much to managing expectations as it does to managing budgets.
Following a landslide victory in March’s state election, Premier Barry O’Farrell has already said that he’s looking to build a legacy as the ‘Infrastructure Premier’ – and he’s made early commitments that show a very positive momentum in that regard. The government has already made a series of significant project commitments from Opposition. In the first term, they include a new North West Rail Link, a new motorway in Sydney (to be determined by Infrastructure NSW), and a $700 million convention centre public private partnership (PPP) at Darling Harbour. Early indications point to a government that’s not shy about a commitment to delivery, with infrastructure taking centre stage in the first 100 days. The North West Rail Link in particular is moving quickly. Rodd Staples, the respected former head of the Sydney Metro Authority, has already formed a project delivery team and market soundings are underway. Meanwhile, the Premier’s own department has taken the reins on the Convention Centre project, which should reach the market in October. Continued on page 36 Volume 2 Number 1
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