Air Strategy without traction

Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:32

TEC Director Mr Jeff Angel said "After nine years of ‘Action for Air’ we have seen no improvement trend. National standards for photochemical smog and fine particles are consistently breached, exposing Sydney residents to dangerous chemicals. The reason for this is clear – failure to deliver promised public transport infrastructure and reduce vehicle use”.

An independent report detailing the progress of Action for Air strategies and policies has been produced by TEC and will be presented at the NSW Government’s Clean Air Forum on Friday. It reveals that unchecked growth in vehicle use is negating the benefits of cleaner fuels and engines as well as measures to reduce emissions from industry.

“When ‘Action for Air’ was released in 1998 the government committed to a major expansion of Sydney’s transport infrastructure. Tellingly, while all road projects in the strategy have been completed on or close to time, rail projects have been cancelled, delayed or only partially implemented,” Mr Angel said.

Rail projects that have been cancelled or delayed include the Parramatta to Epping line, Hurstville to Strathfield link, North West Rail link and upgrading of the Sydney-Newcastle line to a high speed link.

TEC has called on the Government to address the problem by bringing forward major transport infrastructure such as the proposed North West, South West and Harbour rail links, honouring original public transport promises and committing to extension of the current light rail network. Further proposals addressing traffic will be released on Friday.

It is clear that Sydney will face ever worsening traffic chaos and air pollution unless urgent steps are taken to improve public transport. We cannot afford another decade of inaction and lost opportunities,” Mr Angel said.