Southern suburbs locals to stand up for public transport
Media Release: Lynn MacLaren MLC, Alison Xamon MLC, SenatorScott Ludlam
Perth people will make their views on WA’s public transport heard in a series of community meetings throughout the city, including one in Rivervale on Tuesday, September 13th.
The Greens are facilitating a community response to the State Government’s 20 year public transport plan, which leaves huge gaps in the north-west, eastern and southern corridors.
Alison Xamon, MLC for the East Metropolitan Region said vibrancy and growth in Belmont and Rivervale could be compromised by badly planned transport policy.
“These inner city districts have particular transport needs. Comprehensive planning is needed to ensure that roads in Belmont and Rivervale don’t end up too congested. We need to make it easy for people to access businesses, restaurants and public facilities in this area or the local economy will suffer in the long-term.”
“The public transport plan looks good on paper, but it is dangerously short on ambition,” said Lynn MacLaren, Greens WA spokesperson for Transport. “The State Government is asking for submissions through a short survey on their website. The Greens are taking it a step further by actively working with people who are being stranded by increasing costs and overcrowded public transport.”
Seven public action forums will take place across the metropolitan area in regions that are in dire need of public transport improvements and alternatives.
The public action forum in Belmont/Rivervale will begin at7pm on Tuesday 13th of September(6:45 for a 7:00pm start) Rivervale Community Centre - Cnr Surrey Road and Francisco Street, Rivervale.
The forum is open to all members of the public and will feature information on the 20 year plan from the Department of Transport, Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and member of Infrastructure Australia, East Metro Greens MLC Alison Xamon – who will MC the event, Lynn MacLaren MLC and Senator Scott Ludlam, Australian Greens federal spokesperson for Transport.
“The state government has missed major opportunities for Federal public transport funding to get the first light rail lines into the city. Premier Barnett needs to get into gear and submit a proposal to Infrastructure Australia that we can all get behind,” said Senator Ludlam. “This is an opportunity for the people of Perth to have their say and help shape the future of public transport in Perth.”
For more information and to find out the dates for all of the forums visit www.scottludlam.org.au/pt-plan or phone (08) 9335 7477.