Feds cash call

GREATER Dandenong commuters need expanded rail services, level crossings removed, and improved bus services – and the Federal Government needs to fund them.
That’s according to the city’s councillors, who at their Monday 8 July meeting decided to write to leaders and local candidates from the major parties contesting the coming election, advocating for federal funding for urban public transport projects.
Councillor Roz Blades moved the motion and said other Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) members would follow suit.
The ETC includes six other municipalities from Melbourne’s east and advocates for sustainable and integrated transport services for the area.
“I think it’s become apparently obvious that the State Government cannot commit all the funds for public transport in Victoria,” Cr Blades said.
“If Greater Dandenong is to receive its fair share of workable public transport so things can run smoothly, it’s going to be necessary to have some federal funding to do it.”
Cr Blades said important items for Greater Dandenong residents and ratepayers included upgrading and expanding rail services, particularly the Dandenong rail corridor’s capacity; removing level crossings at Heatherton Road, Noble Park; bus service improvements on existing routes, like improved weekend services to Noble Park; and extending existing routes to include Dandenong South and new residential areas in Keysborough.
“Without support from the Australian Government, the Victorian Government will not be able to deliver these projects for many decades to come,” she said.
“It is therefore imperative that funding support for public transport is provided at a federal level to meet community needs, achieve economic success, and ensure ongoing environmental sustainability.”