New South Wales (NSW) Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay on October 31st announced the creation of the WestConnex Delivery Authority (WDA) to manage Australia's largest infrastructure project.

WDA will oversee the construction, financing and management of the $11-$11.5 billion motorway, under the authority of its own Board of Directors, who will report directly into the NSW Minister for Roads.

WDA's Chairman, Tony Shepherd will head the board with extensive infrastructure and public private partnership experience, including Peter Brecht, Rod Pearse, Robert Hamilton, Peter Regan, Peter Duncan and David Stewart.

Tony Shepherd was Chairman of the Business Council of Australia, and former Director of Transfield. He has long track record of achievement within the infrastructure industry, including the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Melbourne City Link.

Minister Gay also released indicative tolling for each stage of WestConnex.However exact tolling details are unlikely to be confirmed until construction starts. He also said:

"The NSW and Australian Governments are providing $3.3 billion in funding for the $11-$11.5 billion project, with the remainder to be financed by tolls. WestConnex will revolutionise the way Sydneysiders travel about our great city, cutting 40 minutes off a typical journey from Parramatta to the airport, and bypassing up to 52 sets of traffic lights.

Taking 3,000 trucks a day off Parramatta Road, and putting them in underground tunnels, will allow the Parramatta Road corridor to come alive with new housing, restaurants and community facilities.

Ten kilometres of bus lanes will be created on Parramatta Road, almost halving travel times from the inner-west to the city."