THE South East Australian Transport Strategy (SEATS) will meet in Dandenong today (Thursday, 9 February).
This will be followed by a breakfast and meeting at the Pakenham civic centre on Friday.
SEATS chairwoman councillor Sue Whelan said the meetings would set the agenda in the leadup to elections to ensure that all major political parties understood the regions’ transport infrastructure needs.
Greater Dandenong mayor Peter Brown said it was significant that Dandenong had been given the opportunity to host a SEATS meeting and to have representatives from interstate and other local government areas in the City of Greater Dandenong.
“They will focus on the wider network needs of Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia and this will provide unified feedback to the Federal Government in terms of road funding needs.”
Cr Whelan said SEATS was highly regarded in all government arenas.
She said it enjoyed several successes, including the significant Gippsland Transport Strategy Study and funding for several Princes Highway improvements, including the Pakenham Bypass.
“It is vital that our member councils and organisations vigorously pursue these transport infrastructure issues during the next year to 18 months as we come up to elections in Victoria and nationally,” she said.
“This part of Victoria is a high growth area, amongst the highest in Australia.
“We must ensure that our needs are known by all political parties and that these matters are on their agendas as they seek our vote in the upcoming elections.
“SEATS strength is that it represents councils and other organisations from Nowra in New South Wales to Dandenong.
“We are a powerful advocate for transport infrastructure and policy issues.
“SEATS and its constituent members will continue to put community concerns to government,” Cr Whelan said.
Nearly 40 delegates from the southeastern region of NSW and the northeastern region and Gippsland will attend the meetings.
Cr Whelan said industry and business groups would have an opportunity to put their concerns to SEATS at a breakfast meeting to be held on Friday.
Jim Mynard
