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NSW Metro Transport plan can't save dysfunctional Kenneally government
Sunday 21 February 2010
Premier Kristina Kenneally's transport announcement will do little to restore confidence in the NSW government as Labor has had a decade of failed public transport plans Greens MP Lee Rhiannon and Leichhardt Mayor Jamie Parker said today.
"While the Metro Transport Plan looks good on paper the Premier has to do a lot more than just make a high profile announcement," Ms Rhiannon said.
"The pressure is now on the Premier to ensure this plan is fully funded and work commences immediately on the heavy and light rail and the bike plans.
"Sydneysiders don't need another set of promises.
"Today's announcement looks like another plan from a dysfunctional government in terminal decline.
"Premier Kenneally has put the north west rail project back on her to do list but there is no funding plans and the project does not start until 2017. Why should the public believe that this time the government will deliver.
"The north west rail project has been on and off for the last 12 years. The Carr government had promised that the first stage would be completed by 2015.
Clr Parker stated, "When the CBD Metro was announced we Greens warned that it was a misallocation of resources that could not deliver workable transport solutions for Sydney.
"It has taken tens of millions of dollars, massive costs to our community and business before the government admitted they were wrong on the CBD Metro.
"This failed project demonstrates everything that is wrong with the government. They have shown that they were incapable of listening to the experts and properly consulting with the community.
"I have been working with WSROC and mayors in the north west for the Metro billions to be reallocated to the north west rail line.
"If the premier wants anyone to believe the latest government plan for the north west rail she should commit to significant long term investment in this project. Right now swapping plans from the CBD Metro to the north west rail is another empty promise.
"The government's decision to back light rail in the inner west and the city is a huge win for the community that has campaigned for this for over a decade. Now the pressure is on the Premier to deliver this project. Work should start immediately.
For more information: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568. Jamie Parker 0418 428 089
