Tony Windsor (New England, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Given the short period between now and question time, I would like to make some introductory remarks on the Nation Building Program (National Land Transport) Amendment Bill 2009. I have a lot of comments that I will be making a bit later on, but one of the issues in nation building that I think the government has addressed and on which it does need to be congratulated is the recognition and financing of the tunnel through the Murrurundi Range. The Minister for Defence is one of many members who would be well aware that there are connectivity issues between the Liverpool Plains and New England as well as issues of transportation through to the port of Newcastle. Currently, a third coal loader is being constructed in Newcastle. That has always been a bit of a bottleneck for the coal industry, but one of the major and significant bottlenecks which has existed for many years is that mountain range between Murrurundi and Willow Tree. So I am absolutely delighted and would like to congratulate the government. The Minister for Defence is in the chamber now, and I acknowledge his role in relation to the Murrurundi Range. It is a much needed piece of infrastructure, which is finally being delivered.

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