Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has hit back at claims that two of Gunnedah’s major projects have been underfunded in the 2018-19 Budget.
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Labor spokesperson for Tamworth, Daniel Mookhey, said the Budget shows a "potential delay and underfunding” of the rail overpass and redevelopment of Gunnedah TAFE, but “we've heard nothing from the Nationals”.
"We're not talking about a few dollars here or there - Gunnedah TAFE campus and the road-over-rail bridge have been underfunded by a combined $7.3 million in the 2017-18 financial year,” Mr Mookhey said.
“It shouldn't take Labor's scrutiny of the Budget to bring these facts to light and prompt a response from the government.
"I think the Nationals need to be up front with the people of Gunnedah and explain why these projects were underfunded and why the completion date for the new TAFE has been pushed back. These are basic questions, which the community deserves an answer to.”
Mr Anderson said Mr Mookhey was “obviously not familiar” with the process government projects followed.
The money that has been allocated in the budget is a very sure sign of progress on [the overpass],” Mr Anderson said.
“Six million has been announced and a significant amount of work in relation to the tender process is close to completion. We’re hoping to announce the successful tenderer very soon with construction to commence in the next few months, hopefully.
“That six million ensures the start of this project and as with any government contract or project, funds are released as required... Mr Mookhey would not understand that because Labor has never built anything in their life. They promise but never deliver, so how would they know how the process works?”
Mr Anderson said plans for the redevelopment of Gunnedah TAFE were also progressing with consultation under way with the community and stakeholders.
“We want to ensure that TAFE remains the preferred provider of vocational education and training and the only way that that can happen is by ensuring that Gunnedah TAFE meets the needs of industry and employers and employees,” he said.
“Part of that [$1.2 million] funding will be used to make sure that Gunnedah TAFE houses the latest technology and modern equipment to deliver the training that modern day businesses require.
“Mr Mookhey is saying that the completion has been pushed back [but] what we’re saying is we’re actually consulting with key stakeholders to make sure we have TAFE in a position to do what it’s meant to do and work with our industry so we can create job opportunities for our local community – something Labor would never do.
Mr Anderson said new course options would also soon become available at the TAFE.
