The state government has distanced itself even further from calls for financial help from Newcastle businesses owners.
Despite the project set to finish on time – many businesses are concerned the financial toll may be too much.
FULL STATEMENT – NSW TRANSPORT:
The situation in Newcastle is not the same as in Sydney, and we can’t create a cookie-cutter model because any form of assistance to business has to be tailored to individual needs. As it stands, construction on Newcastle Light rail is progressing on time and on budget.
As the Premier said, we are always happy to consider ways to support the small business community. But so far, construction on Newcastle Light Rail is progressing well, and we expect contractors to get in and out of zones on time.
There is no compensation for businesses as part of the Sydney Light Rail project.
The NSW Government set up a tailor-made, independent process to provide rent relief for businesses affected by contractors on the Sydney Light Rail project putting businesses through extended construction timelines.
In some construction zones in Sydney, businesses who were prepared for a nine month construction period have dealt with more than two years of construction.
This independent process allows businesses who can prove financial loss associated with extended construction timelines to apply for rent relief.
There have been significant challenges in the construction of Sydney Light Rail – not least of which included 1,400 unexpected utilities under George Street.
