The O’Farrell government’s draft Transport Masterplan released today continues NSW’s record of prioritising roads over public transport, according to Greens MP and transport spokesperson Cate Faehrmann.
“There’s little in this draft plan to suggest that it’ll be any different from the previous government’s approach. We’re looking at massive investment in roads, despite this having been the case for the previous 20 years,” said Ms Faehrmann.
“Simply put, more motorways for Sydney is more of the same. Any commuter can tell you what a failure they’ve been.
“If we don’t see a major shift in funding priorities from roads to rail, we will be doomed to even more congestion which is already crippling businesses, impacting on people’s health and polluting our environment.
“The Sydney rail plan released a few months ago was more about moving towards privatisation than it was about making public transport a much better alternative for everyone.
“If we get public transport investment right, we won’t need new motorways.
“There are so many high value and relatively inexpensive projects like new light rail and comprehensive bicycle networks that should be included but instead we’re seeing talk of massive new multi-billion dollar motorways.
“The government should come clean on exactly who is pushing for more motorways. I can guarantee you that the vast majority of the community are not.
“We need a Premier and a Transport Minister who are willing to stand up to the roads lobby,” said Ms Faehrmann.
