O’Farrell threatens 2030 plans

Clover Moore’s 2030 plans to ease CBD congestion could be scrapped if the Coalition wins the State election in March.

Last week, Lord Mayor Clover Moore and NSW Premier Kristina Keneally signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding between City of Sydney Council and the State Government to improve the flow of traffic and make it more pedestrian friendly.

But Deputy Mayor Marcelle Hoff says it is vital the Liberals support the agreement should they get elected.

“A partnership between the State and Council is the only way to transform the city.

“It would be a tragedy for our city if a Liberal government doesn’t do something that solves some of the dreadful transport problems that are affecting the city at the moment,” she says.

Under the plans the city centre will have a light rail system and speed limits of 40 kilometres an hour will be introduced for traffic, going down to 10 kilometres an hour in shared zones.

Pedestrian waiting times at traffic lights will also be reduced and countdown timers showing them how much longer they have to wait will be trialled at key intersections.

NSW Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell says the memorandum has more to do with electioneering than easing traffic congestion.

He also says the initiative is bad news for those who drive into the city every day.

But Greens Councillor Chris Harris says the plans mean nothing if Labor loses next year’s state election.

“Unless we get the same Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Opposition it’s not worth the paper it’s written on.

“I have no doubt Labor will lose the next election in spectacular fashion so they will have no credibility on any of the things they signed off on,” he says.

The Liberal Party is not alone in its criticism of the scheme.

Organisations including the NRMA and the Sydney Business Chamber have also been critical of the agreement and have accused the State Government and Council of not consulting them before the plans were made public.

But Liberal Councillor Shayne Mallard says he supports the plans.

“I am keen to bring back the balance to our streets of motor vehicles and pedestrians.

“I’m only a small cog in a big wheel but I will certainly do my bit and build a case for it,” he says.

The Memorandum of Understanding forms part of the City’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 scheme.

by William Brougham