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Transport Minister admits rail track sell off plan
Friday 18 September 2009
Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the Greens will step up their campaign to save NSW rail services following an admission from the Transport Minister David Campbell that the government's so-called "rail to bike trail" legislation allows rail lines and train stations to be sold to developers (page 2, Sydney Morning Herald today).
"The government is involved in crude greenwash by trying to make out that their new legislation is just about building new cycleways," Ms Rhiannon said.
"Legislation is not needed to establish cycleways on old rail lines.
"In the Riverina such bike paths are created by putting soil on top of tracks. This is the appropriate way to go as it means that lines can be used later if needed.
"In Perth they run cycleways alongside the rail lines.
"The government's attempt to justify this dangerous piece of legislation by making out it is all about promoting cycling infrastructure is laughable as the government has slashed funding for this sector.
"Under a previous roads minister, Michael Costa, bike funding was cut by one third.
"And the long promised state bike plan is still not in sight and the lost funding has not been restored.
"The intent of this bill is clear. It is designed to pave the way for a massive fire sale of public land at the expense of our public transport future.
"The Greens will forward the minister's comments from the Budget Estimate hearing to transport and community groups across the state working for improved rail services.
"We will be working together to ensure this bill never become law.
"The legislation the government wants to repeal was passed over 100 years ago to give protection to the vast network of rail lines across this state.
"The current Act sets out that rail lines can only be removed by an act of parliament. That is an important safeguard that should not be removed," said Ms Rhiannon.
For Lee Rhiannon - 92303551, 0427 861 568
