Peak business and environment groups call for CBD transport plan to fix gridlock

Tuesday, 24 October 2006 22:35

Speaking at today’s inaugural CBD Transport Summit in Sydney, Ken Morrison,NSW Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia said as the key driver of Australia’s economy, the Sydney CBD is growing and it is vital that the city has a 21st century transport system that effectively services the needs of commuters, residents and visitors, in and around the CBD.

“The Sydney CBD accommodates over a quarter of a million jobs, and contributes 8% to Australia’s GDP. Currently, there is no plan to meet the Sydney CBD’s future transport needs. Today’s system is near capacity and not equipped to cope with anticipated future growth,” Mr Morrison said.

TTF Australia (Tourism & Transport Forum) Managing Director Christopher Brown said without an integrated CBD transport plan, Sydney’s future as an efficient and attractive global city is under threat. “Action needs to start today to secure Sydney’s reputation and role as a global city. Sydney’s CBD congestion has the potential to negatively impact the perception of visitors to our city. TTF Australia, TEC and the Property Council all believe that light rail is a critical plank in establishing a vibrant CBD public transport system that can meet future demands,” Mr Brown said.

TEC Executive Director Jeff Angel said the Sydney CBD has a strong and vibrant future in store. However this will be jeopardised if the transport system does not keep pace with growing demand. Sydney needs to step up to the mark and follow the example of other global cities embracing pro active approaches to sustainable transport planning. “Addressing the CBD’s transport needs has to start today so we don’t gridlock the city’s future. Urgent action needs to be taken now to accommodate future transport demands,” Mr Angel said.

The Property Council of Australia, Total Environment Centre and TTF Australia (Tourism & Transport Forum) are calling on all political parties, and all levels of government to commit to develop and implement an integrated transport plan for the Sydney CBD. Better co-operation and co-ordination between the different levels of governments must be achieved if effective solutions to Sydney CBD’s transport needs are to be successful. The Property Council of Australia, Total Environment Centre and TTF Australia (Tourism & Transport Forum) will be signing a communiqué to go to government.

Issues to be discussed at the Summit include:

- Targets to increase the provision of public transport together with walking and cycling pathways;
- Investment priority for public transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities;
- Accelerating the Northwest - Southwest and CBD rail line;
- Introducing light rail in the CBD and at least one additional inner city corridor;
- Redirecting CBD buses to provide more cross-suburb and feeder routes;
- Establishing a Central Sydney Transport Taskforce chaired by the Premier with key community, business, and local government representatives to develop and implement a 30 year CBD Integrated Transport Plan;
- Open decision-making, including a website for the Taskforce to provide information to and seek feedback from the public on the plan as it evolves;and
- Developing a wider 30 year Integrated Transport Plan for the Greater Sydney Region in close consultation with key stakeholders and the whole community.

Transport Challenges facing the CBD