Shell's decision to transport petrol out of Sydney by road imposes "unacceptable" safety risks, Greens claim
A decision by Shell to transport petrol out of Sydney by road will result in “unacceptable” safety risks along with environmental and road damage, according to the Greens.
Shell Australia will transport fuel from its Parramatta depot to service stations in Canberra, Dubbo and Tamworth.
Greens transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is blaming both the New South Wales Government and major oil companies for what she calls a “disappointing” turn of events.
“Big petrol trucks on city and country roads are a massive safety risk given their highly inflammable contents,” she says.
“Figures show the average cost of accidents involving articulated trucks is 20 times higher than that involving rail.”
Rhiannon says the NSW Labor Government has done little to shift freight movements from road to rail, since it came into power.
“Transport Minister David Campbell has adopted his usual hands-off approach to Shell’s announcement,” she says.
“His Government must take responsibility for a decision that is largely driven by his Government’s neglect of NSW rail infrastructure over the last decade.”
The Greens claim it is also likely other oil companies will follow suit, risking further “accidents and deaths”.
“In Dubbo, BP Australia shares a delivery train with Shell so this decision may also see BP send fuel by road, forcing more trucks through the dangerous Blue Mountains Great Western Highway system.
“Rail is far more energy efficient when it comes to moving bulk liquids.”