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Peak Oil Response Bill: Greens no new motorways plan challenges Iemma to act
Monday, 17 March 2008
At today’s launch of the Greens Peak Oil Response Plan Bill that will be introduced in the next session of the NSW Parliament Greens MP Lee Rhiannon outlined plans for a moratorium on new motorway projects and the establishment of a Peak Oil Taskforce in NSW.“Now that the CEOs of General Motors and Shell Oil and the former US Defence Secretary have acknowledged that its time to prepare for peak oil surely the NSW Premier should commit to a NSW response,” Ms Rhiannon said.
“The NSW government has failed to plan for the pending scarcity of oil and manage the serious implications this has for daily cost of living, the state economy and the environment.
“The Greens Peak Oil Response Plan Bill if passed will set up a Taskforce and would bring in an immediate halt to all new motorway projects.
“The Iemma government is pushing a petroleum-dependent transport system onto future generations with continued investment in motorways at the expense of investment in public transport.
“Premier Iemma’s head in the sand approach on peak oil is irresponsible and dangerous.
“While theories differ on the future of the world’s oil supplies it is clear that urgent work needs to be done to protect our communities, our livelihoods and our future.
“The Taskforce that would be set up if the Greens Bill is passed would require an all of government approach to ensure the fast tracking of public transport services and the uninterrupted supply of critical petrol for facilities such as hospitals, schools and emergency services.
“When peak oil hits the NSW government should quarantine petrol supplies for people living in rural and remote areas. Peak oil will necessitate a massive change in the structure of society at every level – everything from maintaining food supplies to securing employment will radically change.
“The challenge is now with Premier Iemma to coordinate a whole of government response.” Ms Rhiannon said.
For more information: Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568,
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