The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) today called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to guarantee that a Coalition Government will support the planned extension of the Gold Coast light rail to the Gold Coast Airport.
RTBU ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Secretary Mark Diamond said the Gold Coast Light Rail was a litmus test of Scott Morrison’s commitment to tackling the cost of living.
“Voters need to know if the Liberals are serious about solving Australia’s transport problems or not.
“Public transport projects like the Gold Coast Light Rail will enable more Australians to leave their cars at home.
“With petrol prices going through the roof, Australians need to know if Scott Morrison will support public transport projects that will take pressure off the cost of living.”
RTBU Queensland Secretary Peter Allen said attempts by the Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP to derail the project were deeply concerning and put a critical nation-building project at risk.
“The Gold Coast Light Rail was always intended to connect with the airport. The route has been carefully planned to deliver the most benefit to the community and to entire South East Queensland regional economy.
“With the Olympics approaching, a mass transit connection to the airport is even more important.
“Voters need to know that this project is locked in and won’t be held to ransom by a desperate local MP.”
The RTBU is asking all candidates in the Federal election to sign a pledge showing their support for faster, safer, better passenger and freight transport networks.
Voters would be able to see which candidates supported better transport by checking in to the campaign web page – www rtbu.org.au/fastlane – over the course of the election campaign.
PUT TRANSPORT IN THE FAST LANE CANDIDATE’S PLEDGE
I pledge to support measures that lead to faster, safer and better passenger and freight transport networks across Australia, including:
• Building more trains, trams and buses in Australia;
• Increasing Federal investment in public transport to provide Australians with better access to services and reduce our reliance on expensive imported petrol;
• Developing a long-term plan to grow jobs in the rail freight sector
• Better integration of rail, road, sea and air transport; and
• Ensuring people doing the same job have the same pay and same standards of workplace safety.
