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Fool’s gold at end of the Eastlink rainbow

PTUA treasurer Kerryn Wilmot has an opinion piece in the Business section of today’s Age, pointing out flaws in a report claiming economic benefits of the Eastlink tollway. You can read it on The Age web site: Fool’s gold at end of EastLink rainbow.

If you’re also concerned about the current freeway fetish and lack of commitment to sustainable alternatives, here are some actions you can take:

Write a letter to the daily or local suburban papers, eg:

  • The Age: letters at theage.com.au
  • Herald Sun: hsletters at hwt.newsltd.com.au

Ring talkback radio:

  • ABC 774: Phone 1300 222 774. SMS 19 774 774.
  • 3AW: (03) 96 900 693

Visit or write to your local state and federal MPs and candidates for the upcoming state election and call for:

  • a moratorium on further freeway development, including the proposed east-west link, Greensborough ring-road and Healesville freeway
  • expansion of the suburban train network to East Doncaster, Rowville, Baxter, Sunbury and South Morang/Mernda
  • extending tram routes to meet nearby train services
  • traffic light priority for buses and trams right across the network
  • Commencement of a level crossing elimination program
  • restoration of regional rail services to Mildura, Leongatha, Hamilton, Portland

Where to write:

If you’re not already a member, please consider joining the PTUA.