Council CEO goes hunting for cash

FUNDING to improve the Dandenong railway line will be on City of Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie’s agenda when he meets the Federal Government and Labor Opposition in Canberra next month.
Mr Bennie will be part of the Eastern Transport Coalition’s (ETC) campaign trip to Canberra to fight for funding that will ease the increasing congestion on roads in Melbourne’s east.
The Eastern Transport Coalition includes neighbours Knox, Monash and Maroondah cities, as well as the Yarra Ranges shire and Mr Bennie’s former stomping ground, Manningham.
“We are approaching the relevant ministers to meet with us and discuss how the Federal Government can help the environment and reduce road congestion by funding key public transport projects,” Mr Bennie said.
“Both Labor and Liberal members of the Federal Government’s Standing Committee on Environment and Heritage have recommended that the Australian Government fund public transport infrastructure for suburbs and developments on the outer fringes of our cities.”
A date in August for the meeting has yet to be confirmed and is subject to ministerial availability.