2019-04-10
A proposed major realignment of the Monaro Highway at Hume that would skirt nature reserves, cut through a local solar farm and further imperil an endangered species is well out of step with ambitious for Canberra as a sustainable city, the ACT Greens said today.
ACT Greens Environment spokesperson Shane Rattenbury and ACT Greens Transport spokesperson Caroline Le Couteur today called on the ALP to rule out the $200 million proposal for an upgrade of the Monaro Highway between Isabella drive and the AMC.
The ACT Greens have always been committed to ambitious and innovative transport policies that put the future of our city first.
“At $200 million to fix one short stretch of one road, this is already an extremely expensive project. By comparison, the total budget for upgrading walking and cycling infrastructure for all of Canberra for 4 years is just over $30 million – less than a sixth of this one road project,” Ms Le Couteur said today.
“This is money that could be further invested in climate change action, or in giving Canberrans more sustainable transport options - like better buses, an extended active travel network, or even the next stage of light rail.”
ACT Greens Environment spokesperson Shane Rattenbury also outlined significant concerns with the proposal.
“It’s one thing to talk the talk on Canberra as a sustainable city. Actions from Government need to match the scale of this ambition,” Mr Rattenbury said today.
“Cutting a brand new solar farm in half with a freeway isn’t a sensible transport option, and isn’t in step with this vision.”
It comes only weeks after the Government finally ruled out a commitment to build Monash Drive—a proposed motorway through our nature reserves in Canberra’s north.
“The Greens have advocated for decades that the Monash Drive proposal be consigned to the dustbin of history. We are encouraged that the Labor Party recently got on board with this plan.
“That said, the Greens are disappointed that within days of this announcement, that another unrealistic and backwards plan for Canberra is under consideration.
Protecting our endangered species
The proposal would turn a corner of the Jerrabomberra West Nature Reserve into a freeway. This area is habitat for the Grassland Earless Dragon, which is listed as endangered both nationally and in the ACT.
“We need to protect the habitat of Canberra’s endangered species, like the grassland earless dragon, from avoidable threats—include from motorways that could further risk their survival,” Mr Rattenbury said today,
Heritage concerns
The proposal also cuts close to the heritage-listed Rose Cottage (formerly Woden Homestead), raising additional noise and aesthetic concerns.