[Greens-Media] Booming Port Kembla demands urgent transport fix

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 7 August 2008

Booming Port Kembla demands urgent transport fix

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says record breaking trade at Port Kembla is creating an ugly flow on effect in the form of more trucks on Illawarra roads, risking accidents and lives and increasing congestion (p. 10, Illawarra Mercury).

"Some of this new economic wealth should be quarantined to improve Illawarra's inadequate transport infrastructure so the community gets a fair share of the benefits," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The Iemma government is reaping massive royalties and taxes from the booming resources, coal and car sectors and more will be pocketed with the planned expansion of Port Kembla.

"The growth in the resources, coal and car industries is great for business at the port, but is seeing more trucks on local roads, increasing congestion and putting lives at risk.

"The current environmental impact statement for the Port Kembla expansion states that 80 percent of all cargo would go by road and 20 percent by rail. 

"Unless the government changes this flawed ratio it will knowingly create conditions for many fatal road accidents. 

"Completion of the Maldon-Dombarton rail line for freight and commuters is a necessary first step, creating a direct Wollongong-Campbelltown-Parramatta passenger link.

"The existing passenger rail service to Sydney also needs a major overhaul. Commuters often complain to my office about irregular services and dirty carriages. 

"A very fast train should be an essential service, not just a sidelined election promise.

"Wollongong MP Noreen Hay says the expansion of Port Kembla will have a 'flow-on effect' for the community but the impact is not all positive.

"The Illawarra has been an industrial powerhouse for NSW and residents of this region and made an extraordinary contribution to the wealth of Australia. 

"It's time the people of the Illawarra got something back in the form of improved transport infrastructure," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 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