State funding for Newcastle for bus stops

Letter to the Herald, Published 8 August 2008, in response to MCKAY CALLS FOR BUS STOP FUNDING (H,21/7) and PARK DECISION SHORT-SIGHTED (H,26/7)

Jodi McKay (H, 21/7) found it "extraordinary" that Newcastle City Council has to fund the relocation of bus stops because of timetable changes. I agree that it’s "completely unreasonable", but hardly extraordinary, given the State Government’s unilateral decision in 1997 to cost shift the provision of bus shelters onto councils.
To quote from a recent letter from Transport Minister John Watkins to Council: "bus operators ,both State Transit and private operators, are expected to operate commercially and have no ability to fund roadside infrastructure other than their bus stops and timetable displays".
The responsibility for providing bus infrastructure was shifted onto ratepayers to increase public and private bus company profits.
Ms McKay claimed that "If I have to go to the Premier, I will". Given that all councils servicing bus routes bear the responsibility for providing shelters, why would the Premier single out Newcastle for favoured treatment? It would make more sense to ask the Premier to fund construction of and maintain bus shelters,as happened until 1997.
16 months ago, McKay pledged (Newcastle Star, 11/4/07) that "a priority over the next few months would be to work with Newcastle Council to make bus stops cleaner and in better repair". Has she managed to twist the Premier’s arm to provide funding to Council for this?
On another matter, McKay (H, 26/7) criticised Council for providing $200,000 to fund a new playground, shelters and landscaping at Dixon Park Beachfront Reserve. She said she was "flabbergasted" at the "short sighted, piecemeal works".
It’s a modest start, due to funding constraints, to honour a long term commitment. It will fit within any future landscape plans for Dixon Park and her Government’s recent initiative for a Plan of Management for the Stockton to Merewether coastal strip.
I suggest she be positive and ask the Premier for extra funds for more ambitious rehabilitation works at Dixon Park.
Cr Keith Parsons.
1/161 Scott Street, Newcastle, 2300.
0408446022.