Improving public transport and taking trucks off inner-west residential streets are at the top of the Greens’ platform ahead of November’s state election.
Footscray candidate Rod Swift and Williamstown hopeful Simon Crawford are contesting the election with a wishlist that includes more trains and fewer port trucks.
Mr Crawford said the 21,000 trucks travelling through the streets of Yarraville and Seddon each day were polluting the air, clogging up streets and making it dangerous for residents.
“When I’m out on the streets talking to people this is the most common issue raised, especially from families concerned about the impact of carcinogenic diesel exhaust.”
The West Footscray resident, 32, said Liberal and Labor governments had neglected the west.
“Labor had 10 years to fix the truck problem but did not remove one single truck from our streets. And despite the Liberal Party’s election commitment to not neglect the west, they’ve done nothing.”
The Greens support Labor’s pledge for a Westgate truck ramp bypass and will push for more freight to be moved onto rail.
Mr Swift said investment was urgently needed to bring services up to scratch in and around Footscray.
“A Footscray to Docklands tram is our top- priority public transport project for the area,’’ he said.
‘‘It will take 1800 cars off our roads, bring business and jobs to Footscray, and clean up our air.”
The Greens have also called for the redevelopment and expansion of Footscray Hospital’s emergency and in-patient buildings, reversal of TAFE funding cuts and a boost to trains services of up to 50 per cent.
