Australian Greens' Additional Comments
1.1
The Australian Greens are committed to building clean, rapid and
reliable transport infrastructure that serves the needs of all in the community
efficiently and effectively, while eliminating our dependence on oil and
reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
1.2
The committee report is an excellent summary of the role of public
transport in delivering productivity outcomes, and is a clear exposition of the
superior economic, social and environmental benefits that investment in
appropriate public transport as a rule has compared with major new road
infrastructure.
1.3 It is clear from the evidence presented to the
committee that that large sections of Australia’s rail and public transport
networks require substantial upgrades and mass transit services in most urban
areas are so poor that driving is the only option for many people. Current
investment in public transport does not match the projected increase in the
urban public transport task, which the report notes is growing at a rate that
outstrips population growth.[1]
1.4 Clear themes of serious concern have emerged from
the evidence provided, including the legacy of an imbalance between funding for
motorways and public transport. The recommendations contained in the committee
report do not reflect the full extent of the relative value of investment in
public transport over large road projects when these road projects are proposed
to largely to serve passenger travel, particularly commuter travel.
1.5 We note the superior economic and social benefits
and efficacy in reducing congestion that investment in appropriate public
transport as a rule has, compared with major new road infrastructure.
1.6 The Australian Greens support the recommendation
that Australian Government should fund transport including road and public
transport projects on a mode neutral basis. However we also consider that
decisions on which projects to fund should be made in the context of the legacy
of underinvestment in public transport in comparison with major road
infrastructure projects in Australian cities over the last 30 years. Because of
this underinvestment and the significant social, economic and environmental
benefits of investing in public transport, the Australian Greens consider that
urban public transport should be prioritised for consideration for funding by
the Australian Government.
1.7 While we support the recommendations contained in
the report, the Australian Greens feel that stronger emphasis needs to be
placed in order to take into account the issues noted in these comments. We
propose the following recommendations in addition to those included in the
report.
Recommendation 1
1.8 Given the productivity cost of capital city
congestion, the Australian Greens recommend that all levels of government
should take action to reduce congestion.
Recommendation 2
1.9 We recommend that transport infrastructure
projects being considered for funding by the Australian Government must have a
comparative benefit cost analysis undertaken, in particular comparing major
proposed road projects with other options available to address the identified
transport needs. These options should include mobility management and public
transport options.
Recommendation 3
1.10 The Australian Greens recommend that smaller
cost projects, involving the more efficient use of existing infrastructure and
more efficient integration of routes and modes, be prioritised according to the
positive benefits they produce. This would include mobility management measures
which provide people with real choices in the way they travel, and encourage
the use of modes of transport other than single occupancy private vehicle use.
Recommendation 4
1.11 The Australian Greens recommend that investments
in public transport should be prioritised for consideration for funding by the
Australian Government, given the legacy of underinvestment over the last 30
years.
Senator
Janet Rice
Australian Greens
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