National Light rail push

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Sustainability expert Peter Newman to push for light rail in public transport advice to Federal Government http://a.msn.com/r/2/BBmEGPe?m=en-au&a=1

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ABC News --> Sustainability expert Peter Newman to push for light rail in public transport advice to Federal Government

The Turnbull Government has turned to a WA sustainability expert for advice on the future of public transport in the nation's cities.

Professor Peter Newman of Curtin University is seeking to push light rail projects.

"I would hope that I would have some kind of role advising them on how to introduce this concept of 'land value capture' into how we fund light rail," he said.

"We need light rail. Everybody wants it but we don't know how to finance it, and I think we've got a way, so I'm going to help advise them."

The land value capture concept means the private sector would build the light rail, and have access to nearby areas for development.

Professor Newman said it was a successful model in use in other countries, and Australian capitals would be suited.

"Areas that are in the middle suburbs, which are very run down and ready for redevelopment are perfect so there are big opportunities in Perth," he said.

"And it's a wonderful chance for us to stop the urban sprawl, because if we can bring development around light rail, people are going to want to live there and work there."

Professor Newman said in the case of Perth, linking Curtin University and the University of Western Australia to the city would be a start.

"There are real development opportunities along each of those routes, and if we could just start and show it, then it could go anywhere through the middle suburbs — out to Stirling, out to Cannington, out to Fremantle through the freeway," he said.

"This is an opportunity for a number of local governments to step up.

"But the only way is if the private sector is backing it."

Cities Minister Jamie Briggs will meet with Professor Newman in Perth on Monday.

Barnett Government questioned over value capture models

WA Labor's Transport spokeswoman Rita Saffioti has suggested the Turnbull Government does not trust the Barnett Government.

"MAX light rail was a promise by the Barnett Government and Peter Newman has had his plan, it shows that the Turnbull Government has no confidence in the Barnett Government by now going to a third party in developing a plan," she said.

The WA Opposition questioned the Government about value capture models in state parliament on October 13.

In the Legislative Council, Labor's Sue Ellery asked Helen Morton, who is representing the Treasurer, if Treasury had "undertaken any modelling in relation to a value capture model for either the promised Metro Area Express light rail or any other light rail".

Ms Morton said there had not been.

But in a statement, the Transport Minister said some work had been done, if not necessarily in Treasury.

"We have been doing a lot of work on rapid transport solutions across bus, light rail and heavy rail and look forward to discussing further in upcoming meetings with Jamie Briggs," Mr Nalder said.

"The Department of Transport has been engaging with the Department of Planning on the development of value capture models.

"The State Government is committed to providing a rapid transit option for Perth's northern suburbs and is heartened by the Federal Government's support."