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Sydney Lord Mayor welcomes light rail

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore MP has voiced her approval for the planned extension of the light rail service in inner Sydney after Premier Kristina Keneally announced the commitment in last weekend’s transport blueprint for Sydney writes Kevin Cheng in Central on 23 February 2010.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who has been a staunch advocate for the expansion of light rail in Sydney, particularly in the CBD, said that the Premier’s blueprint was an important step in improving the public transport network in the city.

“I welcome the commitment to extending the light rail network as the best solution for inner Sydney. The City of Sydney has undertaken a number of studies recommending light rail and our ‘Sustainable Sydney 2030’ plan outlines proposed light rail routes combined with more cycleways and improved pedestrian access to reduce congestion in central Sydney,” she said. “I’m pleased to see the Government’s Transport plan also acknowledges walking and cycling as part of the equation.”

The proposal includes a 5.6 kilometre extension of the light rail through the inner west to Dulwich Hill, and a 4.1 kilometre extension to the new Barangaroo development, on the western side of the city, then under the Harbour Bridge to Circular Quay. The government says the light rail could carry up to 10,000 passengers an hour through the city.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore also underlined the immediate need for construction to begin on the additional heavy rail line and increased station capacity in the CBD, given that the CBD Metro had been shelved indefinitely. 

The Lord Mayor’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 project, launched in 2008, is an initiative that strives towards making Sydney a global, green and connected city by 2030 by addressing serious challenges that face Sydney, including transport. 

“I have been in discussions with the Premier about the opportunity to immediately implement a number of ‘Sustainable Sydney 2030’ transport projects in central Sydney...There are some practical changes we can make quickly to improve circulation in the city centre, and the City of Sydney will work with the NSW Government to fast-track these,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore. 

Although pleased with Premier Keneally’s plans, the Lord Mayor also urged the State Government to continue shaping Sydney’s public transport for future generations and to keep the city on par with some of the world’s best. 

“Major cities around the world are embracing a renaissance in public transport, cycling and walking, and this is what Sydney must do too, to successfully adapt to a new low carbon, more sustainable future.  We can learn from the experience of other cities - they’ve faced the same issues and found solutions.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore highlighted that the large cost of modernising Sydney’s transport options were no longer an excuse for lack of action by the government.

“Debt financing is one option and it could be repaid over a very long period of time to spread the cost burden.  There are many financing options available and Government should not be spooked by the big numbers involved,” she said.

“Investment in our transport system now is an investment in our future....This is a time to be bold and visionary, to make responsible long term decisions for the benefit of the people of NSW and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. “

Source: http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/news/story/sydney-lord-mayor-welcomes-light-rail/