2015-12-08
Turnbull faces public transport test in Victoria
The Greens are calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to put his money where his selfies are and fund public transport as the priority infrastructure task in Victoria.
“With Victorian Labor pushing ahead with the unsolicited Transurban proposal to build the Western Distributor toll road, here is the prime minister’s true test,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens spokesperson for transport and infrastructure.
“Melbourne Metro Rail and the Port Rail Shuttle freight project should be priority projects for Victoria’s transport mix to reduce traffic and pollution on our streets.
“Federal funding was allocated to Melbourne Metro Rail until Tony Abbott ripped it away to spend on the East West toll road, which Victorians then rejected at the last state election. This funding should be spent on public transport, not another big new toll road.
“Residents of Melbourne’s western suburbs are desperate for information about this toll road that Premier Andrews and Transurban have thrown on the table. There are serious questions still unanswered for residents and industry in the West.
“Let’s get on with rail first - the Melbourne Metro passenger rail project has been waiting in the wings for years, and the Port Rail Shuttle freight solution is already fully funded and ready to go.
“Melbourne will continue to suffer massive congestion and clogged arteries until public transport is funded as the top priority.
“Prime Minister Turnbull has been striving appear different to Tony Abbott with his roads addiction. The new prime minister must now come good on his word and ensure Melbourne is on track to be a world-class public transport city.”
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