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Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc.

Liberals host northside transport forum

posted Tuesday 15 February 2005
There are encouraging signs that community leaders in Sydney's northern beachside suburbs are getting the message that more roads are not the solution to the region's chronic traffic congestion.

Northside Liberal State Members of Parliament organised a forum on 14 February to hear the views of local community representatives on transport problems and possible solutions. Rather than "more roads", the phrases "integrated transport" and "less car dependency" were frequently heard. There was widespread condemnation of the process used by the present government in reaching its decision to widen the Spit Bridge, many conceding that any benefit would be short-lived due to induced traffic. However, the "tolled road tunnel" alternative still enjoys wide support. The MPs had conducted a transport survey at Manly Wharf on 14 February, which found strong community interest in transport issues.

The Opposition transport spokesman, Mike Gallacher, said he was suspicious of the government's current bus reforms, the bus industry not having been adequately consulted. (The social service organisation, NCOSS, is also to conduct a forum on 23 February, for community transport providers concerned about the lack of consultation in their sector). Mr Gallacher also expressed concern that the recently corporatised Sydney Ferries might move toward rationalisation rather than expansion of services.

Reference was made to a Section 22 Committee resolution of ten years ago, seeking better mass transit, but nothing had happened. The Roads and Traffic Authority was (again) condemned as being the defacto transport planning body for Sydney.

Local MPs present were Jillian Skinner (North Shore), Brad Hazzard (Wakehurst), and Coalition Leader John Brogden (Pittwater).

APT was represented at the forum.



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