[Greens-Media] Inner West caught in Federal/State roads pincer movement

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon Media Release  - 10 April 2008

Inner West caught in Federal/State roads pincer movement

NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today asked the NSW Roads Minister to
immediately release the M4 East discussion paper promised for the end of
last year, considering the question mark hanging over the funding of the
M4 east extension, so impacted communities in the Inner West can debate
whether in fact they want the M4 East extension. 

Ms Rhiannon also asked whether Minister Roozendaal would consider
approaching the Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Mr
Anthony Albanese for AusLink funding to be invested in world class
public transport rather than the M4 East. 

Minister Roozendaal refused to answer the question, referring to his
previous statements on this issue.

"Minister Roozendaal has become a serial offender when it comes to
dodging important questions about plans for major road infrastructure in
Inner West," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The Greens are concerned with reports today that Mr Anthony Albanese
is considering contributing federal funds to the M4 East extension by
making changes to the federal AusLink program. (p. 5, Sydney Morning
Herald)

"The Inner West is at risk of being caught in a pincer movement *
with both NSW and Federal Labor government pursuing unwanted road
infrastructure rather than world class public transport.

"With climate change and peak oil upon us it is imperative that
governments plan for mass public transport, not major roads
infrastructure.

"Ministers Roozendaal and Albanese are in the process of committing NSW
to a dire future by pursuing new roads rather than public transport," Ms
Rhiannon said.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568 


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au