MEDIA RELEASE - 28 August 2018
Friends of the Earth welcomes visionary rail plan for Melbourne
Today Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a game-changing rail plan for Melbourne's suburbs, linking all major rail lines via an underground loop.
Community-driven environment group Friends of the Earth says that with Melbourne's population growth the city needs 21st Century planning and investment in efficient transport solutions, especially in our suburbs.
"The community is excited to see big plans for ramping up investment in transport. Connections across suburbs fill missing links, and make it easier for everyone to get where they need to be,” Rachel Lynskey, Friends of the Earth Sustainable Cities coordinator said today. "This project will give everyday Melburnians better transport choices."
Friends of the Earth look forward to hearing more about the Andrews Government's proposed Suburban Rail Loop, including a more detailed timeline and cost projection.
"With growing demand for public transport, we hope initiatives like the suburban rail loop will continue the ongoing investment in public transport to keep Melbourne moving in the future."
Friends of the Earth say communities who are passionate about new rail will be looking to the Matthew Guy opposition to match the government’s vision.
"There is no public transport plan from the Victorian Liberals. We wait to hear what plans they will be putting on the table this election year."
The last state budget saw over $2 invested in roads for every $1 spent on public transport; Melbourne's continued investment in roads is at the expense of public transport and a world-class rail network. The community are asking instead that our politicians commit to increasing freight on rail, major rail upgrades, and ongoing expansion of our bus and tram networks.
The community are also asking for investment to be made in the “Melbourne Metro 2” project.
“To tackle congestion and commuter traffic we also urge the commencement of planning and construction of Melbourne Metro 2. The connection of western Melbourne suburbs and the new Fisherman’s Bend redevelopment with the CBD would create thousands of local jobs, and keep Melbourne moving for the future” said Ms Lynskey.
Friends of the Earth's Sustainable Cities team will be holding a snap celebration action on the steps of Parliament from 12-12:30pm today, and are available for comment.
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Media Spokes:
Rachel Lynskey - 0481 288 211
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