10 Dec 2009: Now is the time for massive rail infrastructure investment ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 10 December 2009

Queensland:  Now is the time for massive rail infrastructure investment

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has called for a redirection of funds from roads to rail infrastructure.  Peak oil is not a fantasy, unless we prepare now for the inevitable, Queensland and the Nation will be become a failed state.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It is clear that the nation is heading for a major transport crisis with road centric transport systems (1).  It is time to act to ensure that there will be cost effective and sustainable rail transport for commodities, freight and passenger.  Rail must be ramped up to position the nation to be able to withstand the serious consequences of massive price rises in oil."

"To continue to pander to the road lobby and subject the community to the horrific consequences of road trauma and the massive cost impacts not only to health, but also in terms of congestion and environmental penalties is bordering on negligence."

"Rather than more expensive roads and road tunnels it is time to get serious.  The railway line from Richlands to Springfield must be continued now as part of the present construction from Darra to Richlands.  The duplication upgrade of the Sunshine coast line from Beerburrum to Landsborough, and then further to Nambour must be expedited. The Cross River Rail project must become an urgent top priority. Return the railway line to Brisbane Airport back to public ownership and put a frequent around the clock rail service in place."

"Any fool can use a retro-spectroscope, it takes courage and wisdom to change the transport paradigm to a sustainable future."

References:

1.   STANDING COMMITTEE ON RURAL AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS
AND TRANSPORT Reference: Investment of Commonwealth and state funds in public passenger
transport MONDAY, 23 MARCH 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/commttee/S11759.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org