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AAP
AAP
Politics
Jack Gramenz

Western Sydney boost as NSW election nears

Western Sydney will have the "very best infrastructure possible" thanks to the coalition government's sale of infrastructure, the NSW premier says.

Dominic Perrottet is spruiking the $5 billion WestInvest program in the lead-up to the March election, when western Sydney will be a key battleground.

The funds came from the sale of the incomplete WestConnex motorway, where tolls are due to rise again in January.

"We built the road, we recycled the asset, unlocked capital which we have invested in projects that will make a real difference in people's lives," Mr Perrottet told reporters in Parramatta on Monday.

"This is all about making sure western Sydney has the best infrastructure possible."

Monday's beneficiaries include the City of Parramatta, Hawkesbury Council and The Hills Shire Council.

Treasurer Matt Kean has been touring suburbs this month announcing more than $357 million in funding for 68 projects that he says "are going to improve the lives of residents and business owners throughout western Sydney".

Hawkesbury is getting $17 million towards a cycleway project and upgrades at Woodbury Reserve.

The Hills will get $15 million to turn an equestrian facility purchased in 2017 into a multipurpose recreational facility.

Parramatta has been approved for upgrades to Rydalmere Bowling Club and Doyle Ground sporting facilities.

"Let's hope it wins them a premiership very shortly," Mr Kean said.

The investment wouldn't be possible without the government's asset recycling, Mr Perrottet said.

Labor, which aims to oust the coalition after 12 years of government in March, opposed building the motorway and selling it.

"They stand in the way of billions of dollars being invested," the premier said.

Labor has been pursuing the rising price and presence of tolled roads in the Sydney motorway network.

The government announced $520 million over two years in subsidies to help drivers pay tolls in the June budget, and is conducting a review with the hope of putting downward pressure on prices.

Mr Perrottet says the network is complex and substantial reform will take time.

"In the budget, what we set out to achieve was put further support back through our toll rebate program."

"Once we receive (that review) back we will act on it," the premier said.

The government tabled its response to a separate upper house inquiry into tolls on Friday, noting most recommendations and supporting some, with a focus on the government's own review.

Labor roads spokesman John Graham is calling for the review's release.

"For years drivers were told by this government that there was no toll problem," he said.

"The commissioning of this Treasury review was the one source of hope that their concerns might be taken seriously."

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel tolls would be used to provide toll relief for the other roads the government does not control if Labor takes power.

Labor opposes "asset recycling", preferring the term "privatisation", which Opposition Leader Chris Minns has promised to end.

He blames privatisation for the government's lack of control over energy prices and road tolls amid the rising cost of living.

Mr Perrottet says recycling assets are tough decisions that make a real difference.

"It is no accident that there are more schools, hospitals, public transport across our state than ever before, that doesn't just happen," he said.

The government has invested in schools, hospitals and transport infrastructure but also faces a teacher shortage, a burning-out health workforce, and a protracted industrial and legal battle with the state's rail workers.

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