Govt blocks release of secret motorway plans for Sydney

A recent press release by the NSW Greens:

Thursday, 19 June 2008
The government today blocked a move by Greens MP and roads spokesperson Lee Rhiannon to force the release of documents that spell out its major road plans for Sydney, including the M4 East, the F6 corridor, Port Botany, the widening of the M4 and its tolling regime and other new road projects across the Inner West.

The government won the vote by one joined by the Shooters Party and Fred Nile, with the Opposition voting with the Greens.

“Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal is keen to avoid scrutiny of his motorway plans but it’s important that they are available to the public before they become concrete,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“Minister Roozendaal said climate change and peak oil did not make it urgent to release the plans.

“Past call for papers by the Greens on the M5 East, the Cross City Tunnel and the Lane Cove Tunnel have embarrassed the government, so it has opted to pull down the shutters.

“Climate change and peak oil make it imperative that we debate the value of the government’s plans for Sydney’s road network, but blocking access to these papers has left the community in the dark.

“Allowing the public to scrutinise traffic modelling, maps, discussion papers and costings is key to enabling proper debate on whether motorways should proceed.

“The Inner West community has been waiting in limbo for the full detail on plans for the M4 East, the Marrickville Truck Tunnel and an Inner West Motorway.

“Premier Iemma breaks public transport promises freely, but road announcements are rarely abandoned even if they defy common sense. Turning around the RTA once it’s committed to a road proposal is like trying to turn around a massive tanker without tugs.

“The community must be given information to empower it to debate whether money should flow to energy efficient public transport or roads. Local residents should not be kept in the dark about where the RTA plans to site motorways, tunnels and emission stacks.

“Given the past poor performance of tunnel projects, and the growing recognition that motorways can face financial difficulties, the public must be able to have its say.

“Key documents must be released so the community can discuss whether Sydney’s motorway plans make economic, social or environmental sense,” Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568.