[Greens-Media] Govt should resist NRMA calls and rule out F6 extension

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - 6 February 2008

Greens MP and roads spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says the NRMA is marking
itself as a ‘dinosaur’ by continuing to push for the extension of
the F6 Motorway. She says the Iemma government should recognise the
fundamental flaws in this plan and rule out any F6 extension. 
 
“The NRMA is living in a dream world by advocating the economic
benefits of extending the F6 into St Peters,” said Ms Rhiannon.   

“The economic reality is that in the decade that this motorway will
take to build oil production is forecast to drop and the price of
dwindling petroleum products to soar.

“Instead of dreaming up these outdated road plans the NRMA should be
concentrating on working out how to responsibly use declining oil
supplies.

“The CEOs of both Shell and General Motors are taking the peak oil
phenomenon seriously.
 
“The future challenge for transport between the Illawarra and Sydney
is to break our fuel dependency. Investing in freight rail and public
transport is the only viable solution.

”In a decade petrol prices will be so high that commuting between
Sydney and the Illawarra will be out of the reach of many motorists.

 “The Iemma government has a head in the sand approach to the
implications of the impending oil shortage. This will ultimately hurt
the environment, motorists and the thousands of people living in NSW who
would benefit from an efficient public transport system.

“Extending the F6 is out of step with reality and the sustainable
direction being advocated by international and local roads and transport
planning experts. 

 “Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal should rule out completing the F6
and immediately lift the remaining road zoning for the Johnstons Creek
Extension on Campbell Street, St Peters, which is earmarked for this
motorway.

“One solution to traffic congestion is for the government to complete
the Maldon – Dombarton railway line to more efficiently move freight
and commuters.

“Minister Roozendaal should be mindful that his Labor colleagues from
Southern Sydney through to the Inner West will meet understandable
outrage from constituents to any F6 extension plans. 

“Residents understand that this project will wreck havoc on the local
environment and increase air and noise pollution and traffic
congestion,” Ms Rhiannon said.
 
For more information – Lee Rhiannon: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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