Australian Greens climate change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, today strongly welcomed the inclusion of climate change and greenhouse emissions as a goal and a strategic priority in Infrastructure Australia's discussion paper today.

Senator Milne said "Having fought hard during the Senate debate on Infrastructure Australia's establishment and extracted a promise from Senator Conroy that the body would prioritise climate considerations, even though the legislation does not require it to do so, I am very pleased to see today's discussion paper putting the issue front and centre.

"The logical consequence of making climate considerations a strategic priority, of course, is that we will see a shift in our infrastructure away from roads and coal and onto railways, busways and renewable energy.

"This shift will serve Australia's interests very well, addressing our worsening exposure to the global oil crunch, and rebuilding our manufacturing sector with green-collar jobs.

"Given that it has put climate change front and centre in its discussion paper, it is difficult to see how Infrastructure Australia could prioritise and support major coal infrastructure such as the Shoalwater Bay proposal. Only time will tell how the body's actions match its words.

"I encourage Australians interested in our future energy and transport needs to put in submissions and focus Infrastructure Australia's thinking further on these issues."

Contact: Tim Hollo on 0437 587 562