A number of inquiries have been made this morning following an incorrect story which aired on Channel 9 last night.
The story alleged funds from the Pacific Highway upgrade at Urunga had been diverted to upgrade the Oxley Highway in Rob Oakeshott’s electorate.
The claim is wrong. Channel 9 did not contact Mr Oakeshott before going to air with the story.
Below is a link to the NSW Government’s Roads and Maritime Services website which confirms that the Oxley Highway is a NSW Government project, funded by the NSW Government. Three consecutive NSW Budget papers also confirm the funding source.
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadprojects/projects/north_eastern_region/oxley_hwy/index.html
Oxley Highway Upgrade - Wrights Road to the Pacific Highway Port Macquarie
Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) is constructing a six kilometre upgrade of the Oxley Highway between Wrights Road and the Pacific Highway at Port Macquarie. The project is due to open to traffic on 24 January 2012, weather permitting.
The NSW Government is funding this $158 million project.