[Greens-Media] Shell switch from carting petrol by rail to road risks lives and the environment

[Susie Gemmell]

Media Release
18 August 2009

Shell switch from carting petrol by rail to road risks lives and the environment

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on Transport Minister David Campbell to step in to stop Shell Australia's plans to start transporting petrol from Parramatta to Canberra, Dubbo and Tamworth by b-double fuel tankers instead of rail. 

"Shell's decision to move petrol by road not rail creates unacceptable public safety risks and will put additional pressures on the natural environment and NSW roads," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Transport Minister David Campbell has adopted his usual hands off approach to Shell's announcement. But his government must take responsibility for a decision that is largely driven by his government's neglect of NSW rail infrastructure over the last decade.

"Estimates vary on the number of truck movements this decision will result in.  There could be up to 14 more b-double tankers on local roads a day. 

"In the event of an accident petrol trucks are a highly inflammable bomb, risking more accidents and deaths. 

"The move will also see higher greenhouse gas emissions and pollution and cost far more in road infrastructure wear and tear.

"Big petrol trucks on city and country roads are a massive safety risk given their highly inflammable contents. Only this June a truck leaving Shell's Parramatta terminal collided with a gate, leaking 7,000 litres of ethanol.

"Figures show that the average cost of accidents involving articulated trucks is twenty times higher than that involving rail. 

"In Dubbo, BP Australia shares a delivery train with Shell so this decision may also see BP send fuel by road, forcing more trucks through the dangerous Blue Mountains Great Western highway system.

"Shell's decision to turn its back on rail is disappointing in an age of climate change and peak oil. 

"Rail is far more energy efficient when it comes to moving bulk liquids. As oil prices climb in years to come Shell, the government and the public will look back in dismay at this decision.

"If Shell persists with this plan, it should exercise some corporate responsibility and outline to local communities what roads it intends to use, how many additional truck movements will occur and what emergency safety plans it has in place in the event of an accident," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more info:  9230 3551, 0427 861 568





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Susie Gemmell
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (Mon-Thur)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0431 458 102
Email susie.gemmell at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.leerhiannon.org.au
http://www.democracy4sale.org/ 
http://twitter.com/leerhiannon