Melbourne-Sydney and Sydney-Brisbane are two of the busiest flight paths in the world. Help get high speed rail on track.
The need for action
Goals and targets: Government commitment via budget allocation and legislation to the building of a high speed rail network along the east coast of Australia.
How we get there: By researching the issue, mapping a path to the campaign goal, lobbying policy makers and spreading the word.
The state of play
A federal government inquiry into options for financing faster rail is receiving submission until 6 December. To make a submission go to: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/ITC/Financingfasterrails.
Alternative modes of travel. High-speed rail and other modes of travel can be prioritised. According to flight data website OAG.com, the Sydney—Melbourne air route is the world’s second busiest, with 54,519 flights a year, and Brisbane—Sydney, with 33,765 flights a year, is the eighth busiest. These numbers could be dramatically reduced by a high-speed rail network between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane that could provide zero emission journeys. Such a network could, according to BZE in their High Speed Rail report, reduce travel emissions up Australia’s east-coast corridor by 28%, equating to a 13.5% reduction in regional travel emissions Australia-wide. Well worth the read is Chapter 6 Fostering alternatives of Stay Grounded’s valuable report Regrowth aviation: Reducing air travel in a just way.
Can you help with this campaign?
– With researching the issue?
– With mapping a path to the goal?
– With lobbying policy makers?
– With spreading the word? Yes!