Page 3395 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 21 October 2014
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network. A good example of this is the recently completed duplication of Erindale Drive and Ashley Drive as part of a $7 million upgrade to address congestion and delays that drivers experience at key intersections on Ashley Drive and Erindale Drive during the morning and afternoon peaks.
The duplication of Erindale Drive is responsive to population growth and transport needs. Erindale Drive is a green corridor that connects the Erindale group centre and the Tuggeranong town centre, retaining the views to the mountains beyond. The corridor allows for expansion to accommodate additional transport, a bus lane, for example, and traffic capacity into the future should the need arise. The Erindale master plan recommended that improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities also be provided along Erindale Drive to connect the two centres.
But governments must do many things, and that is why capital metro will provide an even greater opportunity to address the issues of congestion and emissions in which our city continues to grow. Modelling shows that by 2031 a trip in peak congestion times between Gungahlin and the city could take over 50 minutes. When compared to the estimated journey time of 25 minutes for light rail we see great value in the reliability of light rail.
Motor vehicles are responsible for over 20 per cent of the territory’s greenhouse emissions, well above the national average of 14 per cent. It has been estimated that the ACT needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 2,200 kilotons of CO2, roughly half of its current level of emission, to achieve the 2020 target. Light rail is a lower emitter of carbon dioxide than automobiles and bus per passenger. Increased density of housing and reduced private vehicle use can also reduce Canberra’s greenhouse gas emissions per capita, which is high in comparison to other Australian cities.
Light rail on the Gold Coast has already achieved over one million passengers and it is estimated to have increased the use of public transport in the area by about 13 per cent. In its first days of operation the inner west light rail extension in Sydney was already reaching capacity in the peaks. Similarly, the Glenelg light rail extension in Adelaide has helped to increase public transport passenger use by about 40 per cent.
Earlier Mr Coe advised us that the Canberra Liberals’ view on transport is pragmatic. He has also told us on many occasions that they are opposed to light rail and that our commitment to fund the programs is wrong. I want to take this opportunity today to quote Gough Whitlam:
A conservative government survives essentially by dampening expectations and subduing hopes. Conservatism is basically pessimistic, reformism is basically optimistic.
As we go towards a city of half a million people, capital metro represents a positive, optimistic vision for Canberra’s public transport future that includes high-quality transport options that will help reduce congestion. We know that light rail will assist in employment opportunities, giving confidence to industry through government support in infrastructure investment.
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