The Australian GREENS

MEDIA RELEASE

PETER CAMPBELL, CANDIDATE FOR KOOYONG

EMBARGOED UNTIL Monday 27 September 2004

*** Exclusive for Progress Leader ***

A commuter-quality bicycle path for Kooyong

Peter Campbell, the Australian Greens Candidate for Kooyong stated today “A commuter-quality cycle path is urgently required for Kooyong”.

“I cycle to work in the city from Surrey Hills regularly and I either have to cycle along congested roads or take detours through Canterbury and Hawthorn side streets and along the Yarra River”

“The Belgrave-Lilydale railway line provides an ideal direct route to the Yarra, and there is unused easement along much of it. It is crying out for a bike path” Mr Campbell said.

“Cycling to work is the ideal form of transport as it combines healthy exercise with non-polluting travel. Many more people would cycle to work if they could use a dedicated cycle route free from the danger of cars”

“It is high time we made investments in this type of infrastructure to improve our quality of life and move towards sustainable transport solutions. With a cycle path along the railway we get the best of both worlds – fast and efficient train travel in parallel with healthy and convenient cycling.”

“If elected, I will make obtaining Federal funding for the Kooyong Cycle Path one of my highest priorities.”

“Plans have been drafted previously for this cycle path but they have been pigeon-holed. Some overpasses and possibly some tunnels would need to be constructed, but building the cycle path would provide a boost to local employment and greatly improving the amenity of our suburbs”

“Cycling is becoming increasingly popular for both urban transport and recreation, but our infrastructure for cycling is lagging way behind. I think it is high time this was rectified.

“The voters of Kooyong are sick of politicians sitting on their hands. I will obtain federal funding for the very important Kooyong Cycle Path project and get it built at last.” Mr Campbell said.

-ENDS-

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For more information, please contact:

Peter Campbell, Greens candidate for Kooyong, Telephone: 0409 417 504

Simon Lansdown, Media Officer, Telephone: 0415 535 564