Posts Tagged ‘transport’

MEDIA RELEASE | Debate Hits & Misses

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Today’s ACT leaders debate was characterised by the two parties hitting out at each other, and a complete miss on discussing key issues, according to Shane Rattenbury, Greens Candidate for Molonglo.

“The focus on personal attacks and the lack of substance was disappointing,” said Rattenbury.

“Where was the discussion on climate change, on energy policy, on water security or transport?”

“While the major party leaders took great delight in trading accusations on trust and temperament, ACT voters were left in the dark on who will take leadership on critical issues such as climate change that will define Canberra’s future.”

“Today’s debate reinforces the need to vote for the Greens – to ensure that we aren’t stuck with the same old Labor/Liberal Punch & Judy show after the October poll.” Mr Rattenbury said.

Airport and development: where they stand

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

As a matter of public importance today, Greens MLA Deb Foskey will put before the Assembly the benefits of a more orderly approach to development of the Canberra Airport, including a curfew.

“Ever since the Canberra airport was privatised and its expansion plans became obvious the ALP and the Liberal Party have been silent on airport noise” Dr Foskey said today.

“And while we all agree that the Canberra Airport’s economic contribution to our local economy is significant, no Party in the Assembly has been pleased with the unconstrained development that has been allowed to occur there.”

“The Canberra Airport’s Draft Masterplan allows for more than 30 aircraft movements an hour, 24 hours a day. It includes massive retail, office and eventually residential development. While this proposal does technically conform to the National Capital Plan the Airport is not bound by that plan nor by the ACT’s Territory Plan.”

“More importantly, there is nothing in the Airport’s Masterplan that ties it into a sustainable transport plan for the Canberra region, or more widely; and there is no Greenhouse Gas impact analysis - simply a plan to grower bigger and busier.”

“Untrammelled airport development and increasing residential development in Queanbeyan and the ACT is likely to result in noise sharing across Canberra. That will mean airport noise for many suburbs throughout the night, unless the Federal Government applies a curfew.”

“I believe it would make a difference if our Chief Minister lobbied the Labor Federal Minister for Transport, Mr Albanese.”

“These are the reasons that residents’ groups and community councils from Gungahlin to Jerrabomberra have joined forces to campaign for an airport curfew in the lead up to local elections.”

“We are yet to see Mr Stanhope or Mr Seselja stand up for the right of local people to a good night’s sleep” Dr Foskey said.

Floriade good for tourists, lets make it better for locals

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

ACT Greens candidate for Brindabella and public transport spokesperson Amanda Bresnan has called on the ACT Government to provide free buses for commuters travelling to the city and Barton during Floriade.

“The ACT Government’s decision to close the temporary car park at Acton and restrict it to people going to Floriade, will make it very difficult for people who work in the city and around Barton.” Ms Bresnan said today.

“While it might help tourism in the ACT, it won’t be helpful to local people.

“A win-win situation would be to provide free buses for the time that Floriade is on to help people get to work and ease traffic congestion and parking problems near the Floriade site. It would also allow people to try the bus system in the ACT”.

“We need to start thinking of innovative solutions to transport issues in the ACT and giving people a choice in how they get to and from work and home”. said Ms Bresnan