Gay blames former council for project cost blow-out

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Mr Duncan Gay, has blamed the former Gosford Council for the state government's decision to abandon the replacement of the Rawson Rd Level Crossing.

"Unfortunately, it did not obtain accurate costs and taxpayers should not be forced to foot an even larger bill," he said.

"It was beholden on the former Gosford Council to ensure its costs were reasonably accurate," Mr Gay told the Legislative Council.

"It owns and manages these roads," Mr Gay said.

However, Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said on Thursday that the council was not responsible for inaccurate estimates.

"The increased cost estimates are directly attributable to unforeseen changes imposed by RailCorp.

"The changes include the decision by RailCorp to take control of all projects within the rail corridor throughout NSW, significantly affecting construction methodology," he said.

"Council had previously sought advice from the Minister as to how the project would proceed, following increased cost estimates," the statement said.

"Council is not in a position to cover the increased project costs."

Hansard, 20 Oct 2016

Duncan Gay, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight

Media statement, 27 Oct 2016

Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council

Reporter: Jackie Pearson