15 February 2022
The Greens have today launched their campaign to secure Federal and State funding to build the Hills passenger rail service from Mount Barker to the City.
The Adelaide Hills townships, particularly the Mount Barker region, have experienced significant population growth in recent years, putting a strain on existing transport infrastructure, especially the SE Freeway.
Greens Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young said:
"With both a state and federal election ahead of us, now is the time for real commitments to invest in the future of South Australia. While the Federal Liberal Government have spent years rorting taxpayer funds in marginal seats, South Australian communities have missed out on the infrastructure we urgently need.
"The Greens will be putting the needs of our communities first as we commit to building sustainable, accessible and safe transport options for the people of the Adelaide Hills.
SA Greens spokesperson on transport, Robert Simms MLC said:
“For years, calls by the Hills community to establish a railway line have been met with silence by successive Federal and State governments,” said SA Greens spokesperson for Transport, Robert Simms MLC.
“The people of Mount Barker and the Adelaide Hills have been the victims of a poor planning process – one that fails to consider infrastructure needs and puts the interests of developers ahead of the community. The people of the Adelaide Hills deserve reliable, accessible, and safe transport options. This would not only reduce commuter car traffic on the SE Freeway, but also reduce emissions.”
Greens lead Senate candidate Professor Barbara Pocock said
“We need federal and state government cooperation and investment to get this right - to reduce the number of people in cars and on roads, and the time they spend commuting.
“Trains are a vital part of the solution. They link people to education, work and community, they save money and time, and they reduce our carbon footprint. “