[Greens-Media] Public transport key to averting rising mortgage
defaults in outer metro area
Bout, Marie (Sen S. Ludlam)
Marie.Bout at aph.gov.au
Thu Dec 4 13:51:03 EST 2008
Public transport key to averting rising mortgage defaults in outer metro
area
National public transport inquiry launched
The Greens have successfully moved a motion for a Senate Inquiry into
Public Transport today, and are proposing substantial Commonwealth
funding for public transport including allocations under the Building
Australia Fund, which is being debated in Parliament today.
The Australian Greens housing and public transport spokesperson Senator
Scott Ludlam says creating a fast, efficient light rail network in
Perth's areas of high mortgage default will help rescue land values and
improve services.
"One way to maintain land values in outer metropolitan areas is with
world-class public transport such as light rail, that can help localise
jobs and services, improve service delivery, and indirectly reduce the
rate of mortgage default in Western Australia," said Senator Scott
Ludlam.
"Last week's Fitch Ratings report showed that WA has the second highest
rate of mortgage defaults, in our outer metropolitan suburbs such as
High Wycombe, Anketell, and West Swan."
"Light rail is not just about creating public transport, but helping the
delivery and localisation of services to outer suburban communities,
increasing employment, and maintaining land values. This kind of
fore-planning is what is needed to help stop mortgage default, and
homelessness, particularly in uncertain economic times."
"Western Australians are confronted with a more challenges than ever;
the threat of recession, the possibility of unemployment, and the
eventual impacts of peak oil, and rising energy prices."
According to the 2006 Census WA has experienced a clear rise in
homelessness without an increase in essential services, public housing,
and affordable rental strategies.
"Despite the past years of wealth and prosperity in Western Australia we
have not invested enough money to ensure that people are not left
behind. It's essential that governments at state and federal level take
action now by funding preventative measures such as public transport,
and service access, to ensure that mortgage defaults and the
homelessness rate begins to fall," said Senator Ludlam.
For more information or media enquiries please call Marie Bout on 0415
507 763.
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