Greens announce federal funding for investment in NSW public transport

[John Kaye]

Greens announce federal funding for investment
in NSW public transport

Media Release: 14 May 05

The Australian Greens today detailed a Green Bonds scheme to provide a 
multi-billion investment in public transport in New South Wales as part of 
a plan to make the country's infrastructure sustainable.

The proposal stands in stark contrast to the state Labor government's plan 
to close down much of the New South Wales rail network.

The Renew Australia plan would use the existing Commonwealth bond market to 
raise $3.5 billion a year over 10 years for making Australia's 
infrastructure sustainable.  Around $4 billion would go to interstate rail, 
and a further $10 billion for urban public transport, delivering reduced 
greenhouse emissions, air pollution and congestion.

The Greens lead Senate candidate for NSW, John Kaye, said Green Bonds could 
be used to improve the rail link between Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane and 
other intra-state freight lines, taking trucks off the Hume highway.

"Green Bonds offer real hope for communities that rely on CountryLink. 
Upgrading the lines and increasing service frequency would bring more 
passengers and restore the balance sheet and stop the state government from 
converting it to a bus only service," Dr Kaye said.

"Too many areas of Sydney do not enjoy the benefits of fixed rail 
transport. Extending the network to the Northern Beaches and strengthening 
public transport in Western Sydney would reduce private car use and improve 
accessibility for the disabled and the disadvantaged."

Greens Senator Bob Brown said the plan would return optimism to the future 
of rail, bringing huge social, safety, employment and environmental benefits.

"Renew Australia will help set the nation up for the future, enabling 
individuals and institutions to invest in greening Australia's essential 
infrastructure.

"This week we saw the Howard government squander $14.7 billion in income 
tax handouts to people earning above the average wage. There is an 
overwhelming need for spending ahead of tax cuts - on education, health, 
social services and the environment. Renew Australia is part of the Greens' 
vision for the nation," Senator Brown said.

More information: John Kaye 0407 195 455



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