There is a lot of discussion currently about the state of our Sunshine Coast Hinterland roads, particularly as each new downpour of rain adds to existing safety and road-work problems.
The Greens' fundamental commitment is to work to build safe, liveable communities. Roads are a vital life-line for most of us, and as such will be a priority in supporting the developing communities of our area.
We live in a region where private cars are often the most dependable means of transport in our daily life. If you need to leave your home each day for work, school, clubs and hobbies, or visiting friends and appointments, most people here rely on private transport, so it is imperative that our roads are safe and reliable. This is perhaps most obvious with the need for direct safe access to health or emergency services.
Safe and effective transport resources and strategies, including roadways, are a priority for regional and rural Greens representatives in state government.
Our roads are in desperate need of safety work to remediate bad design flaws such as water pooling, no verges for cycle or pedestrian road users, and crossings and access to and from arterial routes, etc. In some cases, roads have been literally washed away. These routes can be a precarious drive in wet weather at the best of times, but with great sections gone, they are a significant safety issue.
The current state government is making noises about attempting to address badly affected areas, and has even started some repair works, but overall there would seem to be too little being done.
Apart from health, education and life-style considerations, the motivation for better upkeep of our roads can also be identified in other aspects of our community life.
Tourism in our region is suffering due to many factors, and the tourist reputation of the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland will be adversely affected if it's thought the transport systems and resources are not up to scratch, or at worst, dangerous. If the safety and reliability of our roadways directly affects visitor numbers, this will of course directly affect the livelihood of many tourism-reliant small businesses - and their staff - in our area. So better safety and upkeep of our roads is vital to support a healthy and vibrant business sector, which in turn employs and supports other members of our community.
The Greens understand the current issues affecting the daily lives of people in our area, and recognise that problems need to have both immediate solutions, and longer-term strategies to alleviate or negate future issues. So we must also add to the mix other transport corridors, such as the long-promised rail links, and more efficient bus networks to reach into and coordinate with major public transport routes. The Greens will prioritise these public transport initiatives to allow greater access and freedom of movement by everyone in our communities.
We will make sure that public transport is not only visible, but reliable and affordable. With the latest public transport fare rise, we are unfortunately now amongst the world's most unaffordable transport systems.
The Greens will make sure public transport is efficient, effective and affordable, and will work with local government to make our hinterland roads safer.
QLD Greens 'Transport' Policy:
http://qld.greens.org.au/policies/transport-2