[Greens-Media] Greens announce light rail initiative to future-proof Perth's suburbs

[Pemberton, Rachel (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Friday, 29 August 2008
 
GREENS ANNOUNCE LIGHT RAIL INITIATIVE TO FUTURE-PROOF PERTH'S SUBURBS 


Senator Scott Ludlam has challenged the next State Government to
construct a light rail system linking Perth's metropolitan suburbs to
meet affordable transport needs and address climate change.

"The value of good public transport services is evident in the changing
land values along the new rail line. The Greens want to ensure people
living in the suburbs are well served and protected from petrol price
shocks by expanding public transport options for everyone, not just the
wealthy inner suburbs," Senator Ludlam said.

A light rail network proposed by the Greens includes services that would
link Perth's residential suburbs to the major train lines (see full
report and map attached), although are looking to conduct extensive
consultation with local councils and communities before finalising the
routes.

The Australian Greens are working to shift federal funding away from
roads to public passenger transport, which does not currently receive
any federal funds. 

"At present, the federal government does not fund metropolitan public
transport at all, leaving this vital responsibility entirely to the
states," Senator Ludlam said.
"The Greens are working to remedy this: we want to redirect 25% of the
$22.3 billion AusLink 2 funding scheme for 2009-14 to metropolitan and
regional public transport projects, rising to 50% after 2014."
 
"We also propose that the State Government make public transport the
centrepiece of Western Australia's allocation of funds from the $20
billion 'Building Australia Fund'. The money is available. The vision is
there. All we need is the commitment," Senator Ludlam said.

"The Greens are the only party to advocate for public transport measures
that will be desperately needed in the years to come."


MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
11am Friday. 29 August 2008
Perth Train Station - the overpass near the Art Gallery 
 

For information contact Rachel Pemberton 0408 988 977 

Rachel Pemberton
Communications and Campaign Officer

The Office of Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia 
PERTH: Tel 08 9225 5799 | Fax: 08 9225 5599
GPO Box B58, Perth WA 6838
CANBERRA: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 03 6277 5821 
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

www.scottludlam.org.au