Ken Livingstone to support a sustainable Sydney

1 September 2009

Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone will give a free public talk about sustainable cities and integrated transport on Wednesday 16 September.

The City Talk, presented by the City of Sydney and The Sydney Morning Herald, will be Mr Livingstone's only public appearance in Sydney.

Mr Livingstone was elected Mayor of London in 2000 and was responsible for the groundbreaking introduction of the congestion charge. His policies centred on creating a sustainable London in the face of global warming.

He will be joined by Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP. Ms Moore said; "We have much in common in our vision for our respective cities. Sustainable Sydney 2030 calls for better public transport, less cars, more walking and cycling."

"A green, global and connected Sydney needs an integrated public transport system. Major public transport is at capacity and it is difficult to move efficiently around the city. Congestion inhibits economic development and private vehicle use is a major source of green house emissions," Ms Moore said.

Also speaking at the City Talk will be The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Leader of the House, Federal Member for Grayndler.

The speakers will participate in a panel discussion chaired by ABC broadcaster Simon Marnie. They will be joined by Garry Glazebrook, Senior Lecturer, School of the Built Environment, University of Technology, Sydney, and Robert Whitehead, Director, Marketing & Newspaper Sales, The Sydney Morning Herald.

DATE:               Wednesday 16 September 2009

TIME:                 6.30pm - 8.00pm

VENUE:             State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney

Tickets are FREE and ESSENTIAL and available from Ticketmaster on 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au   Free bike parking located at Hyde Park North 6pm - 9.30pm

For future City Talk updates and alerts please sign up to the City of Sydney What's On newsletter at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn

Media Contact: Maya Catsanis 02 9265 9553 or 0409 045 425.