Kenneally called on to restore rail petrol freight subsidy to save lives

In the aftermath of the far south coast accident involving a petrol tanker that killed three people Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on Premier Kristina Kenneally to reinstate the subsidy for bulk fuel transported by rail.

"I extend sympathy on behalf of the Greens to the families of those killed in this tragedy," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The lessons from this horrific accident need to be acted upon to prevent more deaths and injuries.

"As will as targeting the black spots on the Princes Highway, the NSW government must ensure that where possible fuel is moved by rail. This is the safer form of transport.

"In November last year the Rees government ended its Fuel by Rail scheme that provided a 1.2 cents per litre subsidy to petrol companies.

"Slashing the scheme saved the government $1.6 million, but has meant more petrol tankers on NSW roads.

 "This poor policy decision that saves a paltry amount of money was brought down in the 2008 mini-budget.

"Following this latest accident Premier Kenneally should move quickly to reinstate the rail subsidy for fuel transported from Sydney depots to western NSW and Canberra.

"The removal of the subsidy has resulted in Shell Australia transporting petrol from Parramatta to Canberra, Dubbo and Tamworth by B-double fuel tankers instead of rail.

"On the Dubbo run BP Australia had shared a train for deliveries with Shell so BP could be moving its fuel by road, which would force more trucks to use the dangerous Great Western highway.

"This could mean at least four extra B-double tankers on local roads a day.

"Three fuel trains a week use to run between Canberra and Sydney. The end of this service puts more lives at risks as petrol companies resort to using road freight.

"The government should be moving to require fuel companies to transport bulk petroleum products by rail whenever possible," Ms Rhiannon said.

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