Government urged to avoid Western Orbital/Public Transport conflict

Thursday, 01 February 2001 10:00

Calling on the State and Federal Transport Ministers Carl Scully and John Anderson to rule out any contracts with toll companies that restrict public or freight rail transport TEC Director Mr Jeff Angel said "The EIS for the proposed orbital is ominously silent on the issue of contractual arrangements. We have asked the Ministers to assure the community that they will not allow public transport or rail freight in Western Sydney to suffer just to boost the coffers of private toll companies."

Contracts between governments and construction companies for the M2 and Victorian Tollways prevent the development of competing public passenger and rail freight transport. Similar arrangements for the proposed Western Sydney Orbital would sound a death knell for effective public transport, in public transport starved Western Sydney.

"Western Sydney is already choking under the strain of rising pollution with alarming levels recorded throughout this summer. Improving public transport is the only way to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality. It is essential that potential tenderers for the proposed orbital be given a clear indication that no restrictions on public transport would be approved", Mr Angel said.

Despite arguments in the EIS that the proposed Orbital may provide increased opportunities for bus transport this is a poor option for meeting the transport needs of Sydney's west.
"The proposed orbital route is in the wrong place to improve the efficiency of bus based public transport and will do nothing to improve rail freight transport or promote the development of light rail. Western Sydney's transport needs would be better addressed by building an effective network of public transport", Mr Angel said.