Canberra Liberals leader Jeremy Hanson should take up the issue of Tony Abbott’s health and education budget cuts rather than attacking transformative infrastructure projects that will generate jobs and stimulate the ACT economy, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, said today.
“Jeremy Hanson shows a lack of vision and direction with his attack on light rail,” Mr Corbell said.
“Instead of trying to derail a project that will help grow the ACT economy the opposition leader should join with his state and territory Liberal Party colleagues in taking up the fight to the federal Coalition government that is imposing unprecedented cuts to state and territory health and education funding.”
The Capital Metro light rail project between the City and Gungahlin will create jobs, increase the value of land and stimulate economic activity.
“Light rail will benefit all Canberrans, not just the patrons who will be using a fast, reliable environmentally friendly form of public transport.
“Around Australia and the world, light rail projects have proven to increase employment and Capital Metro will generate significant economic activity by intensifying land use along the corridor.
“This increased economic activity is expected to drive new opportunities for other parts of the city and will support such initiatives as City to the Lake.”
Capital Metro will provide business and investment certainty and stimulate significant economic activity as land surrounding the light rail increases in value and is used more efficiently.
“Light rail is a powerful tool to revitalise and shape cities. It provides business certainty, encourages investment and connects people and places.
“So instead of giving in to his federal counterparts and laying down as they cost shift with unfair budget cuts to health and education, Jeremy Hanson should show some leadership and fight for the ACT.”
(Simon Corbell Media Release)
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