O'Farrell's motorway plans misguided, rob public transport

Daily Telegraph, page 1.

"Mr O'Farrell's decision to commit a big proportion of his transport

infrastructure fund to the M4 East or the M5 duplication is a serious

blunder at a time when public transport projects should be the priority

for all sides of politics," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The Opposition leader is squandering his opportunity to carve out a

public transport vision for Sydney and NSW. Mr O'Farrell seems blind to

research which shows that new motorways ultimately induce not relieve

traffic congestion.

"It is only major construction companies and developers that would be

pleased with the Opposition's pro-motorway stance. If Mr O'Farrell wins

government, he can expect a big fight from local Inner West communities

who oppose these new motorways.

"In this era of rising costs from traffic congestion, dwindling

petroleum supplies and climate change public transport has to be the

favoured option.

"Mr O'Farrell, in exposing his strong support for city motorway

expansion plans, reveals that like his Labor counterparts he is captured

by the big end of town.

"City motorway expansions will rob money from the urgently needed

maintenance and upgrade programs for public transport as well as new

projects.

"If the Opposition are really interested in assisting the business

community they would reject Labor's discredited city motorway plans.

"The cost of traffic congestion is increasing and puts many Sydney

businesses at a disadvantage because of freight costs and the

difficulties many workers face in reaching work on time.

"It has been estimated that more than $12 million a day is lost because

of traffic congestion in NSW. These costs are expected to rise to $20

billion a year across Australia by 2020", Ms Rhiannon said.

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