Third River Crossing

Media Release

3 March 2007

After extensive investigations and community feedback the RTA selected a preferred route for the third river crossing.  The eastern route.  Of course, that doesn't please those who preferred the western route, so the argument continues.

A review of environmental factors has been prepared to assess the potential environmental effects during and after construction.  This has only just been completed.  The RTA will not make a decision until it has considered all submissions received in its comment period.

There is no doubt that a third crossing is necessary to reduce traffic congestion on the Belmore and Morpeth bridges.  Deciding where it should go involves two issues.

The first issue is making sure that the decision is based on proper long term planning which incorporates environmental concerns, social impacts as well as cost and engineering considerations.

The second issue - provided all of the options remain - is to see what the people most affected want.  Shouldn't politicians look to the people in their electorate rather than pushing a party or bureaucratic line, or dictating their own personal views?  That is the very essence of a democracy.

If realistically there are two options that are reasonably open, isn't it appropriate to put those alternatives for decision by the people most directly affected --the people who live in the electorate?  Are these not the sorts of issues that people should be asked to decide?  Wouldn't it be sensible to get people to vote on important issues like this at the same time that they are required to cast their vote in Local, State and Federal elections?

This is an easy way of improving our Government and making it more democratic.  There are other similar measures that can and should be introduced like Citizens' initiated referenda (CIR).