MPs consider transport call

By Lia Bichel
A MONSTER petition demanding better transport services in Melbourne’s south east was tabled in the Victoria Parliament last week.
The Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC)’s petition was backed by the City of Greater Dandenong and surrounding councils, and signed by more than 13,000 people.
City of Greater Dandenong representative councillor Roz Blades said the local community was extremely disappointed with the lack of public transport.
“Dissatisfaction regarding public transport has been growing for some time,” she said.
She said residents were sick of being ignored when it comes to public transport policy.
“(Greater Dandenong) didn’t get anything in the bus review for (better) bus services on the basis that there were greater needs – but we have a lot of people in Greater Dandenong that don’t drive because they are new settlers.
“The first thing they would do is want to get their family settled, not buy a car,” she said.
“If you are a new migrant in the area and don’t drive, it is difficult to get to doctors appointments or to job interviews.
“The lack of transport significantly effects everyone’s life.”
The petition called on State Government to modify the Victorian Transport Plan to include a number of things across Greater Dandenong, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges.
The proposed modifications include upgrading a full and public feasibility study for heavy rail line to Rowville and Doncaster, improved facilities for passengers – particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts in Dandenong, Ringwood and Box Hill – and fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles.
ETC chairwoman and Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn said eastern suburb residents have been neglected for too long.
“It’s time this government looked seriously at providing sustainable transport options right across Melbourne rather than focussing on a few key electorates,” she said. Cr Dunn and Cr Blades said they was glad the full petition was finally in Parliament’s hands and she looked forward to the Government taking notice.
“We are hoping for a better response to the Victorian Transport Plan,” Cr Blades said.
“We are hoping the State Government takes notice.
“We are hoping they listen to us.”