The Australian Greens today congratulated the national organisations* behind the Moving Australia 2030 report for providing a strong, clear case for a holistic approach to planning and public transport that puts people and the environment first.

Opinion piece by Jessica Irvine Daily Telegraph today. 

Greens federal transport spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said the failure of both Labor and the Coalition to back extensive public transport solutions for Sydney's daily road gridlock, focusing on motorways instead, highlights how out of touch both party leaders are with the needs of the travelling public.

"Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott are losers on transport planning," Senator Rhiannon said.

Commenting on the Prime Minister's Westconnex announcement, Greens federal transport spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon and Greens NSW transport spokesperson Cate Faehrmann said it is irresponsible for state and federal governments to be backing this speculative $13 billion motorway project in inner western Sydney, which if built would slug Western Sydney residents and businesses with a $10 billion toll burden.

In an Matter of Public Importance speech to the Senate today, Australian Greens Transport spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon urged the Transport and Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese to withdraw federal support for Sydney's WestConnex motorway, and instead develop a targeted funding strategy to boost Sydney's ailing public transport infrastructure. Ms Rhiannon's MPI speech is available on request. Watch the video of her speech. 

In the lead up to a ‘Save Our Rail' community meeting tonight, Greens transport spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon has called on the federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese to publicly back the retention of Newcastle rail and to only allocate federal funding for initiatives that will deliver improved public transport and revitalise Newcastle CBD.

Save Our Rail is holding a meeting at 5pm tonight at Hamilton Station Hotel and politicians are invited to "stand with SOR to oppose decision to cut rail line".

Commenting on the NRMA's ‘more motorways for Sydney' campaign, Greens Senator for NSW and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the NRMA had manipulated its member survey data to back its position.

"The NRMA is doing a disservice to its members by linking the solution for Sydney's congestion to more motorways," Senator Rhiannon said.

"Sydney would be a more liveable city if the money put into motorways had been used for new and expanded public transport services.