[Greens-Media] Rees must stand up to Treasury and retain South West Rail Link

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
2 October 2008


Rees must stand up to Treasury and retain South West Rail Link


Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on Premier
Nathan Rees to break with the Costa era, recognise the importance of
investing in infrastructure and commit to the current plan for the $1.36
billion South West Rail Link. (Sydney Morning Herald, page 1)

"Premier Rees needs to publicly back the South West Rail Link and
demonstrate that it is he who runs NSW, and not Treasury officials," Ms
Rhiannon said.

"The Premier would be wise to take the advice of former prime minister
and treasurer Paul Keating and not be worried about credit ratings. 

"If the Premier abandons or even defers the South West Rail Link he
will be demonstrating his inexperience and inability to stand up to
Treasury. 

"Treasury officials run an aggressive and conservative political agenda
to maintain a AAA credit rating. 

"The Premier's job is to look after the whole state by developing a
public infrastructure renewal program and quality public services. 

"Sydney's population is booming and the NSW government should develop
integrated planning for all suburbs with public transport and other
services provided. 

"The South West Rail Link is shaping up as a test of Premier Rees'
ability and leadership. 

"If the South West and the North West Rail Links do not go ahead the
NSW government will have abandoned ten years of integrated planning in
western Sydney for 400,000 people. 

"Growth in these areas will continue and without these heavy rail lines
residents will have to rely on cars for their transport needs. 

"Any refusal to back major public transport programs will exacerbate
the vulnerability of the NSW economy to peak oil and climate change," Ms
Rhiannon said. 


More information:  Lee Rhiannon * 9230 3551, 0427 861 568