Northern Rivers Trains for the Future Inc. TOOT (Trains On Our Tracks) Campaign

MEDIA RELEASE: 26 Nov 2007

Congratulations Justine and Janelle: Now let's get the fight against climate change back on track.

TOOT Spokesperson, Karin Kolbe said,

"TOOT would like to congratulate Janelle Saffin and Justine Elliot for winning the seats of Page and Richmond.

"In Kevin Rudd's acceptance speech he spoke of the need 'to plan for the future, to prepare for the future, to embrace the future'. He also spoke of the need 'to act with urgency' on climate change and the need to 'build a 'twenty first century infrastructure for a twenty first economy'.

“These ideas come together in the need to develop low carbon transport systems for our regions that support tourism and sustainable economic growth.

“Commuter rail services on the Casino-Murwillumbah line provides an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to road based transport.

“The level of road funding promised at the election is neither economically or environmentally sustainable.

“Unless the transport sector begins making drastic cuts to emissions, then as a nation we have little hope achieving the long term targets that the new government is committing to.

"The increased Green vote in Richmond indicates that people are concerned about the environment. We note that the Greens campaigned strongly on the need for commuter services on the Casino-Murwillumbah line."

“We are also encouraged by Mr Rudd's determination to overcome 'the old and tired battles between federal and state.

“TOOT will shortly issue invitations to Justine Elliot, Janelle Saffin and the new ministers for transport, infrastructure, tourism and regional affairs to a meeting for early in the new year aimed at planning for sustainable transport system.”

Contact: Karin Kolbe, President of NRTF, 0411 594 599, (02) 6680 8516 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it www.toot.org.au