RMIT expert available for comment about transport issues following the Federal Election

TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING

Professor Jago Dodson (0415 554 889, jago.dodson@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: infrastructure, transport, housing and metropolitan planning

"This election has emphasised how badly Australia is stuck between the need for new visionary policies to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and an electorate that is not yet certain the gains will outweigh the risks.

“This is exemplified in urban infrastructure by the East West Link, a zombie project that was twice rejected by voters in the Victorian election yet has had the defibrillator applied once again.

“In contrast, funding for the Suburban Rail Loop that was emphatically embraced by Victorian voters in 2018 was rejected by the national electorate.

“These contradictions reflect Australia's ongoing national indecision about the shift from a fossil economy to one that is based on environmental efficiency and sustainability.

“But the inability to make this transition poses long-term economic risks for Australia's cities as their competitors around the world embrace sustainable zero-carbon transport by funding expanded public transport and supporting walking and cycling. "

Professor Jago Dodson is Director of the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University. He has an extensive record of research into housing, transport, urban planning, infrastructure, energy and urban governance problems. He has authored more than 80 publications on urban topics, contributed to and commented on public debates about Australian cities and has advised national and international agencies on urban policy questions.

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