Mr Martin said the government was prepared to spend billions on ‘digging holes under Sydney’ but had no plans for the Bells Line ‘and hope no one notices’.

Mr Martin, who was also Lithgow’s longest serving mayor, said the need for the Bells Line route was the most obvious factor in opening up the Central West.

“Instead they just plan to reshuffle the sources of carbon pollution around Sydney,” he said.

“The Coalition promised a start on the Bells Line Expressway during their first term in government.

“The first term is just about up but all they’ve done is to provide an extra overtaking lane on the existing Bells Line near Bilpin.”

Mr Martin said Member for Bathurst and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole was being given ‘an easy ride’ on this issue by all concerned and he was wondering why.

“His silence has been deafening and CENTROC and other authorities in the region have let this issue slide under the radar.

“I don’t know if the Bells Line Action Group that was headed by (former Nationals Minister) Ian Armstrong still meets or even exists.

“If it does it’s doing it on the quiet.

“The committee had $100,000 in the fighting fund when I retired and if they’ve given up the money should be returned to the councils that voluntarily contributed.”

Mr Martin said there would only be ‘token interest’ by the government in needs outside the Sydney Basin in the poles and wires send off.

“They’re talking about millions on cosmetic stadium refurbishments and relocating museums but not a word about regional development,” he said.

“They’re not quite sure if life really exists beyond the western suburbs.”

He said that the previous Labor government had preserved the route for the eventual expressway, acquired aerial photographs and taken all necessary steps to overcome heritage and national parks issues.

Consultants reports had been completed and comprehensive detail provided to the public.

“But that’s where it ended since the coalition came on board,” he said.

Mr Martin said the upgrades along the Great Western Highway while welcome could never meet the standards required by business west of the mountains.

“There’s ever improving highway access to the north and south of NSW but nothing for the west,” he said.

“And that’s how it will remain until the region’s councils who all supported the Bells Line resume the fight.

“Baird’s government is only interested in Sydney.

“The west will have to fight for everything it gets and Paul Toole needs to stand up and be counted,” he said.