A high-speed rail network powered by 100 per cent renewables will eliminate greenhouse gas emissions produced by long distance air travel in eastern Australia. Based on a rapid implementation of the French TGV system, Beyond Zero Emissions is calling for Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane to be linked in this visionary nation-building project.

Aviation travel currently contributes 3% of world greenhouse gas emissions, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicting this proportion to rise to 15% by 2050. The Australian government must stop unnecessary aviation travel as part of a strategy to reverse the dramatic effects of climate change.

"The tourism industry is clamouring to push band-aid remedies for climate change such as carbon offset plans. We are calling on the government to create positive, realistic solutions to global warming" said Matthew Wright, spokesman for Beyond Zero Emissions.

"At speeds up to 360km/h, a super-fast train would complete the Melbourne to Sydney route in under 3 hours. This is comparable with air travel when you include check-in times, security checks and delays in luggage handling."

At $13 million per kilometre, the entire network would cost $32 billion, employing tens of thousands in construction and maintenance while using significant local content. The trains are powered through electrified rails, offering zero emissions transport when combined with 100 per cent renewable energy built into the existing electricity grid.

"Compare this with the Liberal's $22 billion Auslink II program announced by Treasurer Peter Costello. A vast majority of this money is to be directed into road upgrades, locking Australia into producing even more greenhouse gas emissions," said Mr. Wright. "Australia is facing a catastrophic climatic crisis and we need to take all sectors of our economy to zero emissions as soon as possible."

High-speed rail is the preferred method of travel in Western Europe due to its superior comfort, increased baggage allowance, and ease of access. In over 25 years of operation the French TGV system has carried over two billion passengers without a single major incident.

"The high speed rail network will significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil, a dependence which is also increasingly seen as a major national security issue," said Mr. Wright. "APPEA, the peak body representing Australia's oil industry, expects oil imports to rise to $20 billion by 2015, which would also be a disaster for our balance of trade position.

"High-speed rail will transform our national identity. Transport contributes 23% of Australia's total carbon emissions. A high-speed rail network used for rapid passenger and freight travel across the eastern seaboard will help drive Australia towards a zero emissions future."

The French TGV System

Report on Business - New TGV line brings Berlin closer to Paris

BBC - French TGV Fast Train sets new rail speed record.

George Monbiot (Guardian columnist) - Flying is Dying

The Guardian - Why we won't fly again.

Plane Travel and Climate Change

BBC - UK must act on plane emissions

TGV Basics

Australian Very Fast Trains - A chronology

Very Fast Train - Route investigation ACT

For comment ring:

Matthew Wright 0421 616 733

www.beyondzeroemissions.org
Beyond Zero Emissions is an independent Zero Emission Minus Climate
Change campaign.