[Greens-Media] Labor Mayor opposes light rail extension to Balmain

[Jamie Parker]

7 March 2014: for immediate release
Labor Mayor opposes light rail extension to Balmain

Leichhardt Council's Labor Mayor Darcy Byrne has pushed a motion through Council to oppose a light rail extension to Balmain, taking an extraordinary anti-public transport stance with the support of Labor and Liberal Councillors.

Greens Councillors argued in support of the expansion of light rail in the inner west, including backing Greens MP Jamie Parker's plan for extension along Parramatta Road and to Balmain.

Greens MP Jamie Parker said:

"The expansion of light rail within the Inner West is crucial for local business and commuters, while providing an environmentally sustainable commuting option and opening up Parramatta Road to become more than just a parking lot.

"This is an anti-public transport, anti-community scare campaign as the park will not be lost nor will the school be affected. In fact this visionary new project will benefit local schools and increase safety by taking cars off the road and improving access to the school, local businesses and the hospital.

"I am working to enhance and improve our community and I am disappointed that the Labor Mayor continues to engage in these negative attacks against public transport, opposing our efforts to decrease traffic and improve safety.

"This is a slap in the face to almost 10,000 people who have signed our online petition for light rail expansion, including to Balmain and along Parramatta Road.

"I developed this plan in collaboration with transport experts, academics, Members of Parliament, business leaders, and community organisations - yet the NSW Labor Mayor has opposed it outright, without discussion and even before a detailed study has been undertaken by government.

The government has indicated they are open to examining options for light rail and to oppose it before a study even starts is simply unbelievable.

"This short-sighted anti-public transport attitude is reminiscent of NSW Labor's incompetent stewardship of our state's infrastructure and transport services.

Greens Balmain Councillor Craig Channells said:

"A project like this could be a game changer for local business and commuters - it seems very short sighted for Labor & Liberal Councillors to rule this out entirely."

More: Alison Martin 9660 7586 or 0432 941 533


Jamie Parker MP
Member for Balmain
112a Glebe Point Road, Glebe,  NSW 2037
(02) 9660 7586
www.jamieparker.org.au

The office of Jamie Parker MP respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we work - the Gadigal and Wangal People of the Eora Nation.
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