12 May 2009: Budget 2009 and rail!

[ozbob]

Media Release 12 May 2009

Budget 2009 and rail!

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 welcomes tonight's budget announcements for a number of rail projects  throughout Australia.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the commitments in the 2009 Federal budget for sustainable, efficient, safe, environmentally friendly  rail transport projects for the future."

"Australia needs to move forwards and break the transport shackles.   All states need support to expand their public transport networks.  Rail transport infrastructure investment is an investment that is repaid many thousands of  times over and will provide employment during construction and its ongoing operation."

"Of concern is the continued distortion to road funding.  Road transport is unsafe, environmentally costly and is already failing badly. South-east Queensland is experiencing very significant road congestion.  More roads is not the answer.  Sustainable rail transport solutions are."

"We welcome the commitment to fund the detailed feasibility and planning study for Brisbane inner city rail tunnels."

"The commitment to fund the Gold Coast Light rail is visionary.  Modern light rail will become an iconic feature of Australia's premier holiday destination. Sustainable, environmentally friendly, high capacity, safe. It is clearly the optimum mass transit solution for the Gold Coast."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Delighted that the Gold Coast Light Rail is to now proceed.

Apart from roads, Brisbane only receives the money for the tunnel study.


Summary from the budget:


http://www.budget.gov.au/2009-10/content/glossy/infrastructure/image/page1_table.gif