PUBLIC TRANSPORT SOLUTION TO AIR POLLUTION

Friday, 23 November 2001 10:00

Environmentalists today called for construction of four key rail lines to be commenced by 2005, as the major outcome of the Government's 'Clean Air Forum 2001', that meets tomorrow.

"We can't break the back of Sydney's massive air pollution problem without a quantum leap in public transport funding and new rail lines that serve the traffic growth areas," said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.

"Current government plans put essential rail improvements into the never-never: some are planned for 2020! We are seeking iron clad commitments that Strathfield to Hurstville, Castle Hill and Rouse Hill, Parramatta to Chatswood and the Bondi Loop are begun before 2005. This is also a clear warning that public transport and air pollution will be a State Election issue."

"Our independent review of the Carr Government's progress with its Action for Air program has found serious problems:

· Levels of Ozone (the major indicator of photochemical smog) and fine particles exceed World Health Organisation and National Environment Protection Measure guidelines on a regular basis,
· Vehicle use continues to grow at alarming rates with key public transport initiatives seriously behind schedule,
· Programs to reduce emissions such as an inspection and maintenance program to fix polluting vehicles are lagging well behind schedule. "
"Unless the Government commits to these measures immediately we can expect worsening air pollution and declining public health for years to come," Mr Angel said.