Greens MP Lee Rhiannon visits seat of Lyne

Monday 25th August, 2008

When: Tuesday 26 August 2008

What: Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon visits the Lyne electorate to campaign with Greens candidate Susie Russell on the need to direct a significant proportion of Auslink and Infrastructure Australia funds to public transport and rail freight.

Photo opportunity: 11am Taree railway station Lee and Susie with mini peak oil campaign pole posters. The mini posters read 'Plan for Peak Oil' and 'Take Action Vote 1 Green' and then (variously): 'Get on your bike', 'More rail and buses' and 'No more motorways' and 'Take local action'.

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon, visiting the electorate of Lyne to campaign alongside Greens candidate Susie Russell, said:

"The Greens are calling on the Rudd government to recognise the dual problems of climate change and peak oil and invest in a much larger proportion of AusLink and Infrastructure Australia funding into rail freight and public transport, not roads.

"Infrastructure Australia and AusLink are in reality megaphones of the roads lobby.

"More than 96 percent of the $157.3 million of Auslink money Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese allocated to NSW in this year's May budget, to start implementing election commitments for NSW, was allocated to road projects.

"Not one of the 2008/09 federal transport projects for NSW earmarked for funding is a standalone rail project. Who knows what projects will be funded out of the $20 million Infrastructure Australia fund?

"To make a successful transition to a low carbon economy the government must spend most of AusLink and Infrastructure Australia funding on public transport and rail, not roads.

Greens candidate for Lyne Susie Russell said:

"This region has witnessed a large amount of funding poured into road upgrades, while our vital north coast rail link is still running on 19th century technology and public transport, footpaths and cycleways are virtually non-existent.

"Peak Oil, Climate Change and common-sense all dictate a need for rail upgrades. There are some golden opportunities in this region to improve the line, improve running times and cut costs.

"It’s 2008 and we still don’t have integrated transport planning. It’s not just the rail-line that’s 19th century it’s the political approach. The Greens offer a real alternative.

For more information: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568, Greens Candidate for Lyne Susie Russell 0429 655 044

Events

Lyne Federal By-Election
6th September 2008

Election Countdown Calendar

Coming UP!!!

Saturday

06/09/08

Lyne By-Election???
Well, we said he would and now he's done it. Mark Vaile has resigned after after only 8 months back in the job. The people of Lyne voted Mark Vaile back in, with a reduced margin, for another 3 year term in November 2007. Lets not forget the third party in this election who also enjoyed a swing toward her in the 2007 election and represents the third strongest party in Federal politics above the Nationals. This is Susie Russell of the Greens. Her team has helped to promote her profile in the region including the recent visit of the only Federal party leader senator Bob Brown of the Greens. Will all of the ALP voters back Oakeshott after the “Glasshouse” shenanigans? Probably not. What is the only other alternative? The Greens. Don’t get Rob’d! Go Susie!