[Greens-Media] Mini metro plan a costly mistake

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - Greens MP Lee Rhiannon & Leichhardt Greens Mayor Jamie Parker - 24 October 2008

Mini metro plan a costly mistake

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says Premier Nathan Rees' new CBD metro plan is ill-thought through, expensive and an exercise in policy on the run. Ms Rhiannon says the billions would be better spent on finishing existing heavy rail projects and extending light rail to other areas of Sydney.

NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said:
"The Premier wants billions from Infrastructure Australia to build a new metro system when he can quickly and easily create a city loop by extending the existing light rail system for a fraction of the cost," Ms Rhiannon said.

"This is a mini plan from a mini premier. The money would be much better spent on completing existing heavy rail projects and extending light rail to other areas in Sydney. 

"The route outlined will face technical difficulties, demanding extensive tunneling through steep gradients and around city office blocks. Darling Harbour and White Bay present a real challenge.

"The costs will be astronomical at a time when the NSW government is crying poor.

"With peak oil and climate change the Premier can't afford to continue with these kinds of follies. Sydneysiders need real public solutions not this kind of drivel.

Leichhardt Greens Mayor Jamie Parker said:
"The sensible option for the Inner West is right under Nathan Rees' nose: extend the existing light rail service.  

"This is the obvious solution that can be done much more quickly and at a fraction of the cost.

"If Mr Rees wants to provide additional public transport for Rozelle he can easily run light rail off into that suburb.

"It's clear the Premier has been propelled by fears of losing inner city seats rather than good transport planning.

"For years the Greens have been campaigning with the community for better light rail services in our area but Labor has ignored us.

"Now the polls aren't looking so good and the Premier has responded by pulling this flimsy plan out of a hat.

For information: 
Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568. Jamie Parker - 0418 428 089


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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
lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au/
http://www.democracy4sale.org/ 

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