[Greens-Media] Turnbull is all barrel and not much pork when it comes to his ‘Cities deal’ snub to Western Sydney

[Newman, Freya (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

MEDIA RELEASE
20 June 2016
Turnbull is all barrel and not much pork when it comes to his ‘Cities deal’ snub to Western Sydney

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon and Greens candidate for Macquarie Terry Morgan have commented on Turnbull’s proposed ‘cities deal’ with NSW Premier Mike Baird, involving Badgerys Creek Airport.
Senator Rhiannon said, “The Prime Minister’s ‘cities deal’ is a snub to Western Sydney and is nothing more than an attempt to hold on to marginal seats.
“The ‘cities deal’ aims to link new development to the proposed Badgerys Creek airport, but there is no dollar figure attached to it. It appears to be just a re-commitment of the funds already allocated to the airport.
“What sort of message does it send about our democracy when we have a Liberal PM and a Liberal Premier ganging up to say their unpopular airport is the only way Western Sydney residents will get access to jobs, housing and services?
“Today the Liberals have made clear that they’ll ignore the concerns of the local community if they’re in charge at both the state and federal level.”
Greens candidate for Macquarie Terry Morgan said, “We know that the community has genuine concerns about the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport, but the Coalition is refusing to listen.
“There are serious questions about the environmental, social and economic impacts of the airport, but the Liberals have no other ideas for Western Sydney. Badgerys Creek Airport would be a win for developers but not for the community.
“High Speed Rail has huge support in the community and would boost local employment, support manufacturing jobs and reduce our transport emissions. The Greens have the courage to take this project on.