Campbelltown Council and Dr Mike Freelander, the Federal Member for Macarthur, are calling for the introduction of free public transport to help ease the pain caused by war in the Middle East.
Last night council voted to write to members of the NSW Government, including the premier Chris Minns, and the local member, Greg Warren, and transport minister John Graham, “highlighting the need for free public transport with the increasing cost of living and fuel costs/shortages’’.
The move was proposed by deputy mayor Jayden Rivera (Greens) and supported by his fellow councillors when put to a vote.
Independent councillor Adam Zahra was opposed, making the point that it would be better if tradies in NSW were helped through a subsidy for the cost of diesel.
“Tradies, and I am one myself, don’t have a choice to use public transport, but are paying increasing prices for diesel,’’ he said.
Dr Freelander says he has written to the NSW Premier, Chris Minns, calling for the NSW Government to provide free public transport to commuters from South West Sydney to assist with rising fuel costs and to help with fuel supply concerns.
“South West Sydney residents travel the furthest distances to get to their places of work, study or other appointments,’’ Dr Freelander said.
“We are on the very fringes of Sydney and so as an outer metropolitan region with a large commuter population, it is imperative that the NSW Government provide free public transport for a period to assist local households.
“I believe this policy is important as it benefits all commuters, as for every commuter who opts for free public transport, this means less stress on local fuel supply and prices for those who must use their vehicles, such as tradies, teachers and local community group transport services.
“I hope the NSW Government strongly considers this proposal as it will help local households and local fuel supplies during a time of great uncertainty,” Dr Freelander said.