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Greens To Leave Country Roads To Disintegrate

The Greens’ pledge of more public transport and "not more bitumen" shows a complete disconnection from the needs of country Victorians.

By Parliament of Victoria - 22nd November 2006 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said today The Greens’ plan to abolish VicRoads and spend more money on public transport in metropolitan Melbourne shows the party has no idea about the needs of country Victoria.

"The Greens transport policy provides no provision for transport improvements outside metropolitan Melbourne," Mr Davis said.

"The policy encourages people to cycle and walk, but in most cases country people simply do not have a choice about their mode of transport.

"This attitude of neglecting country Victoria in favour of the city is completely irresponsible."

Mr Davis said the Liberal Party had grave concerns about The Greens’ lack of provision for country roads and its plan to abolish VicRoads.

"The lives of all Victorians depend on the upkeep of our roads and for a political party to simply decide it will no longer fund roads is unthinkable," Mr Davis said.

"The Greens’ plan to abolish VicRoads will be the final nail in the coffin of country road safety, with the responsibility for maintenance of arterial roads throughout Victoria being effectively dissolved.

"The Greens will simply leave country roads to disintegrate and become death traps, while they spruce up Melbourne’s public transport system."

Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would increase the amount of funding currently spent on country roads.

"A Liberal Government will fund local country roads – something the Bracks Labor Government has refused to do," he said.

"We will spend an extra $127 million directly on local country roads and bridges, relieving some of the burden from local councils.

"To suggest less money needs to be spent on country roads, or as The Greens propose that no money should be spent at all, is a matter of great concern for the safety of all Victorians."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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