Liveable cities report: Albanese must fund public transport

"The key to liveable cities is public transport. Anthony Albanese must allocate funding from Infrastructure Australia to large scale public transport projects, reversing the current preoccupation with roads," Ms Rhiannon said.

"It's time for a funding switch from the current situation where the Federal government is allocating $28 billion to road projects over six years, while rail gets a mere $7.9 billion.

"A key test for the Federal Minister will be refusing the NSW government's request for Infrastructure Australia funding for the massive M5 expansion currently on the table.

"If we have any chance of combating climate change, reducing congestion and providing active transport options both the federal and NSW governments must end their love affair with roads.

"Sydney needs a big boost in public transport and this will only occur with Infrastructure Australia funding involvement.

"Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese would be wise to revisit submissions to the recent Senate Committee on Public Transport which argued for more public transport funding from the Commonwealth.

"The report of the Senate transport committee noted that in the 30 years to 2004 the Commonwealth spent $58 billion on roads, $2.2 billion on rail and $1.5 billion on public transport.

"Climate change and peak oil both necessitate we reduce our dependence on oil.

"Freeing Sydney from the yoke of cars and trucks will not just boost liveability - the task is also key to reducing carbon emissions and cleaning up poor air quality with its associated health risks.

"Mr Albanese will still be fiddling while Rome burns unless he acts to invest in top quality public transport and rail freight infrastructure for Sydney," Ms Rhiannon said.

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