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

The 2007-2008 State Budget fails to make any real contribution to shoring up the Citys economy and providing for critical inner city infrastructure needs.

While the NSW Treasurer informed me that budget allocates $656.2 million to the Sydney electorate, close examination reveals that this is primarily directed towards building, IT and fleet upgrades for public service offices within the city.

Specific local projects funded include $67 million this year for the East Darling Harbour upgrade, which will commence in December with no integrated transport plan and excessive building heights.

The upgrade to the Rocks Police Station will receive $923,000, which is part of $2,958,000 allocated since 2005, although a Development Application has only just been submitted.

The Blackwattle Bay Foreshore link to Sydney Fish Markets will commence this month, with $50,000 allocated, but funding for the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust has reduced by over $20,000 since last year which will risk further commercialisation of the parklands to raise revenue.

The transport portfolio was a particular disappointment. Instead of a sustainable transport blueprint, the budget delivers more of the same – funding for roads, buses and studies. Of the 265 new buses, there will be five super metro buses that pile people on like cattle cars with standing room only.

There is no funding for light rail, no integrated transport strategy, no single transport authority and no cutting-edge projects to allow Sydney to compete for investment with other cities. While there is $69 million for integrated ticketing, there is still no firm timeframe for its implementation.

(from CLOVER'S eNEWS - Newsletter of Clover Moore, MP, and Lord Mayor of Sydney - 6 July 2007)