[Greens-Media] Greens launch North West transport campaign to build heavy rail line in five years

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media release - 4 August 2009

Greens launch North West transport campaign to build heavy rail line in five years 

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon joined Greens Mayor of Leichhardt Jamie Parker and Hills District Greens members in Bella Vista today to launch a new Greens campaign for better public transport services to north western Sydney.

Ms Rhiannon said: "The Greens are calling on the Government to prioritise building a heavy rail line to North Western Sydney over spending $5 billion on the CBD Metro project.

"We expect that locals, who are angry with the Labor Government for breaking its promise to build the heavy rail line to Rouse Hill by 2015, will be keen to support our campaign to build the rail line in the next five years.

"It was irresponsible for the Government to announce another land release at Box Hill and Schofields last month with no corresponding plan to build the heavy rail line.

"The North West heavy rail line would relieve traffic pressures, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and improving access to the region.

"The Greens are keen to work with local residents to get a better deal from the NSW Government on public transport.

"Local Greens will be distributing our campaign leaflet at major bus stops, and will hold community stalls to take our campaign message to the travelling public. 

"We will be collecting signatures on a Greens petition to make the North West rail line a transport planning priority for the Government.

"This project is crucial for the region's future and the Government must commit to it, said Ms Rhiannon.

The Greens Mayor of Leichhardt Jamie Parker has questioned the CBD Metro project because it fails to address the public transport crisis in North Western Sydney.

Mr Parker said: "Why would the NSW Government commit to spending over $5 billion on a metro line from the City to Rozelle when there is an urgent need for investment in north western Sydney where transport is in crisis? 

"I will be working local Councils and Mayors in the North West to promote heavy rail and encourage the state government to invest in urgently needed public transport infrastructure", said Mr Parker

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 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/ 
http://twitter.com/leerhiannon

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