[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: SA Budget fails to match climate change rhetoric

[Greens]

Media Release
22 September 2006

Budget fails to match climate change rhetoric


The 2006 SA Budget fails to match Mike Rann's rhetoric on climate
change, with a focus on cars over public transport, and very little for
preserving the State's biodiversity in the face of huge environmental
challenges, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

"Considering the amount of press statements Mike Rann makes about
climate change, you would think there would be at least some reasonable
financial commitment to tackling this issue.

"When it comes to South Australia and climate change, the litmus test is
transport. Apart from the welcome tram extension, there is very little
else.  The most car dependent capital city in Australia will now become
even more so," he said.

Instead, the budget:

*        Has a small increase in public transport ($10 million), which
is entirely paid for by $9.8 million from the July 2006 fare hike.

*        Has 10 times more spent on car-favouring road projects than on
public transport infrastructure (>$220 million, compared with the $27
million for the tram extension).

*        Highlights the conversion of half the state fleet to LPG, which
is merely prudent financial management, and paid mostly by fuel cost
savings of $8 million.

*        Fails to provide for a decent Northern footpath on the Bakewell
Bridge.

*        Has a very disappointing $500,000 for cycling initiatives (SA
already has the lowest per capita rate of spending in the nation).

In addition, there is over twice as much capacity for a taskforce to
smooth the passage of the Roxby Downs expansion, than the much trumpeted
Climate Change Council. 

"This is not the budget of a climate change leader.  It's a pity Al Gore
and David Suzuki aren't in town this week.  I wonder what they would
think of Mike Rann and his commitment to climate change now?" he said.



For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893




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