The Age: Letters – Beware the backlash, 15th August, 2008
Inner-city residents recognise the need for government to invest in public transport for neglected growth suburbs. Currently, two-thirds of Melbourne has no practical alternative to cars. Without investment in sustainable alternatives, more people will be left behind or burdened with larger transport costs.
Inner-city residents also recognise that apart from being unfair, Government failure to extend public transport to growth areas has caused congestion, poor air quality, poor street amenity, and extra road costs in inner areas.
The solution for all climate change-sensitive governments is to rapidly expand investment in infrastructure for public transport, cycling and walking. With fuel price increases and peak oil, inner and outer residents will inevitably rely on these modes.
Shaun Carney (Comment & Debate, 13/8) highlights the fact that “governments are made and broken in the outer suburbs”. The Government can expect to face a major electoral backlash in inner and outer suburbs for failing to meet these alternative transport needs.
Jackie M. Fristacky (councillor, City of Yarra), North Carlton
