Greens to push rail in Assembly
Greens transport spokesperson, Amanda Bresnan MLA, will introduce a motion into the Legislative Assembly next week that would require the ACT Government to take concrete steps to advance light rail, high speed rail, and rail freight projects.
“Light rail, high speed rail, and improved rail freight all present strong opportunities for Canberra’s transport future. It’s imperative that the Government takes these opportunities now,” said Ms Bresnan.
“Light rail, high speed rail, and an increased proportion of rail freight would bring significant benefits to the ACT region – including economic, social, environmental and travel benefits. These are the services Canberra deserves.
“Rail needs a champion in Canberra. The Chief Minister has lobbied and pushed for new freeways. Sustainable transport projects like light rail and high speed rail should receive the same effort.
“It is a timely moment for the ACT to have the rail debate. Currently the Federal Government is making decisions about an East Coast High Speed Rail route and the ACT needs to present a case for prioritising Canberra routes. The Government is also looking at the future of Northbourne Avenue, which the Greens believe should include light rail.
“The Government’s Majura Freeway will help entrench a future of road freight, when the Government should be looking at the many opportunities for rail freight in Canberra.
“Every year, approximately 2 million people travel between Canberra and Sydney. This is expected to almost double in the next 25 years. A high speed rail trip between Canberra and Sydney would only take 1 hour. To Melbourne it would only take 90 to 120 minutes.
“The motion I am presenting would require the Government to take a range of actions including:
• Developing proposals for Canberra light rail routes that can be presented to Infrastructure Australia, and that can be pursued without Federal assistance;
• Present a case to the Federal Government for the prioritisation of Canberra stages of a High Speed Rail network, and stations, and facilitating the planning and staging of the routes
• Prioritising sustainable freight transport by developing a rail precinct in the vicinity of East Lake/Fyshwick, which includes rail freight facilities such as an intermodal freight hub
“Now is the time to act and for the ACT Government to make a real commitment to rail transport in Canberra. Steps we take now will have long term benefits for community and the environment,” Ms Bresnan said.
Picture: Light rail in Strasbourg, France (Pop: 640,000) - Tramways in Strasbourg by Ex13 (Wikimedia Commons).