Greens Federal Senator and transport spokesperson Scott Ludlam today
joined lead NSW Senate Candidate Lee Rhiannon and local Federal Greens
candidates for Sydney and Grayndler at Central Light Rail Station, to
launch the Greens’ Light Rail Plan for Sydney.
The Greens have produced a 30 page report, ‘Light Rail in Australia –
Get on Board’, which outlines the benefits, viability, costs and
funding sources for light rail infrastructure in all Australian
cities. They propose extending light
rail across Sydney.
“We have an ambitious plan to resurrect light rail. Sydney could
easily extend its existing system, following the lead of more than 100
international cities where light rail has made a comeback over the
last decade,” Senator Ludlam said.
“Until 1961 Sydney had the largest tram system in Australia. Now the
old routes are clogged with cars.
"The Greens propose a dedicated, sustainable transport arm within
Infrastructure Australia to consider light rail and are calling for a
national inventory and implementation study, estimated to cost $10
million.
“The recent decision by the NSW government to extend light rail to
Dulwich Hill was a win for the community after a strong campaign,
backed by the Greens.
“Now it’s time to capitalise on this infrastructure, by bringing light
rail to other parts of Sydney which can integrate with existing public
transport and get people out of their cars,” Senator Ludlam said.
Greens NSW Senate Candidate Lee Rhiannon commented, “The NSW
government has access to numerous studies detailing potential light
rail routes for Sydney, including reports by transport planners Garry
Glazebrook and Ron Christie. With Federal funding, these plans could
be realised.
"Bringing light rail into the CBD makes perfect sense, but it deserves
to be more ambitious than the line between Central and Barangaroo
currently being considered by the government.
“Several light rail loops would reduce congestion in the CBD and free
up hundreds of buses to be reallocated as part of the expansion of
Western Suburbs bus services.
“The Greens propose building on the inner west light rail network to
reach areas like White Bay, Haberfield and Five Dock.
“Light rail could serve the eastern and southern suburbs of Sydney,
connecting the CBD with Coogee via Randwick, Bondi Beach, and Maroubra
via the UNSW.
“This modern tram system can haul railcars accommodating up to 60
people, as well as bikes and wheelchairs. It is a low impact form of
transport that creates safer streets and would help civilise our city.
“Climate change, air pollution and Sydney’s pressing congestion
problems all call for light rail, which can help create an ‘anywhere
to anywhere’ transport system for residents, “ Ms Rhiannon said.
Contact: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568, Scott Ludlam 0417 174 302