Railway Technical Society of Australasia
PO Box E303
KINGSTON ACT 2604
31 October 2001 Media Information
Coalition called to revamp its Land Transport Policy
"The Coalition's transport policy released
Monday by National Party Leader and Transport
Minister John Anderson, should be described either as Moving Backwards
or Keep on Trucking, rather than Keeping Australia Moving," said Dr
Philip Laird, a spokesman for the Railway Technical Society of Australasia.
"While all other OECD countries, including the USA, are working towards
'sustainable transport' policies to reduce road
congestion and vehicle emissions, the
Coalition's 13-page transport policy does not even mention the
word 'sustainable'," he said. "All
economic indicators point to Australia's land freight task being set to double
by 2020, and we urgently need an alternative to the endless procession
of heavy trucks that are clogging up our roads."
"Rail transport can provide that alternative." "The
worst feature of the Coalition's transport policy must be the abject failure
to deny inter-state rail tracks additional investment funds over the minimal
funding promised four years ago." Dr Laird continued.
"This is despite the fact that no less than four major reports commissioned
by Prime Minister Howard and his government have
recommended additional funding for interstate
rail, yet they continue to ignore their own advice!"
"Of these the most recent, prepared by the Government's own Australian Rail
Track Corporation, found that a modest track
upgrading program would have a benefit cost
ratio of 3.2. This is higher than for most road projects." "The
benefits of investing in rail, include faster and heavier freight trains,
and diverting the loads of 400 heavy long distance truck movements from
road to rail each day."
Dr Laird concluded, "The ALP is at least prepared to make a step forward by
allocating an extra $60 million to the long overdue
track upgrade."
"The Coalition, whilst finding extra money for roads and none for rail to
date, has promised extra road statements. It should
now make a further statement on rail."
"Australia must do better with its land
transport policy, otherwise it will face
further losses in international competitiveness."
For further information contact: Dr Philip
Laird on 02 4221 3421 or 0412 060 129
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