[Greens-Media] Media release: Green agenda for Mayors' Summit

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Green agenda for Mayors' Summit

The Australian Greens say infrastructure, broadband and constitutional
reform must be on the agenda today, when the first Mayors' Summit kicks
off in Canberra.  

"Today's summit presents a rare opportunity to develop a shared response
to the environmental challenges we face," said the Greens Spokesperson
for Local Government, Senator Scott Ludlam.

"A national approach to green infrastructure is well over due. It's not
enough for government to just pump money into building more roads.
Public transport needs a helping hand. With petrol prices continuing to
soar, providing a more affordable transport alternative would give both
the environment and consumers welcome relief." 

"There's a need for coordination across all levels of government to link
this public transport to energy efficient housing infrastructure. This
would create clean and green housing nodes for the sustainable cities of
tomorrow."

"There are also black-spots in terms of access to broadband and in some
regional communities in particular, this leads to exclusion from
employment and a range of other opportunities. Discussing how these gaps
can be filled, should be high on the agenda for today's meeting,"
Senator Ludlam said. 

Senator Ludlam also said constitutional amendment is important to ensure
that local government is guaranteed a direct revenue source, independent
of the states. 


For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0401
843 851


Robert Simms
Media Adviser to
Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 02 6277 5821 
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Non-Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3566 | Fax: 02 6277 3185
SG111, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Mobile: 0417 174 302  

www.scottludlam.org.au <http://www.scottludlam.org.au/>