Railpage Australia™ - $2bn Buckland Park development will have 'no public transport'

THE planned $2 billion Buckland Park (SA) development is likely to be approved without basic public transport infrastructure, the Greens claim.

Greens Mark Parnell yesterday questioned why the proposed 15,000-home project between Virginia and Port Gawler would be built without promise of public transport infrastructure, forcing residents to rely on private cars to drive to neighbouring regions for essential facilities and employment.
The proposed Buckland Park township was declared a major project 12 months ago to bring it under the control of the State Government and to fast-track the development.

Responding to the question, Planning Minister Paul Holloway said Buckland Park had a significant advantage in that it is closer to the centre of Adelaide than a number of other developments.

"In relation to transport, it has an advantage; it is not far away from the current standard gauge line that goes to Virginia ... Obviously if there is a significant development in that area, it opens up some potential in the future," he said.

Mr Parnell said Mr Holloway's answer indicated the Rann Government was prepared to allow thousands of new homes to be built well away from basic public transport infrastructure, which was "absolute madness."

"The Buckland Park project is a massive "ghetto in waiting' as people attracted by relatively low land prices will be marooned by petrol prices set to soar over $2 a litre," he said.

"While Perth massively expands their rail network, and builds new suburbs around their new train stations, we plonk 15,000 new residents in the middle of nowhere and expect them to survive on their own."

For the full story, go to:
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24061182-2682,00.html

The Advertiser
22 July, 2008