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Media Release

Public Transport Forum an overwhelming success

Hosted by the Croydon Conservation Society and the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), residents overfilled the Public Forum Public Transport: Is It Moving You? demonstrating overwhelming support and demand for action from all levels of government to improve public transport in the outer east.

"The public response to the forum was overwhelming, demonstrating that outer eastern residents expect far better from all levels of government and most importantly that results are delivered" PTUA Outer East Branch Convener, Alex Makin said.

Over 100 people swamped the Glenn Frost room demonstrating overwhelming support for increased public transport in the long neglected outer eastern suburbs.

Speakers were provided from all levels of government, including members from Maroondah, Knox and the Yarra Ranges, as well as the bus industry including Invicta Bus Company.

A number of state MPs and Federal political candidates, including Bill Pemberton for the Australian Greens and Dr. Peter Lynch and Susan Davies from the Federal ALP were also present.

"The Federal ALP has committed itself to providing federal funding for public transport; we eagerly await specific details to see if they are true to their word", Mr Makin said. "Currently only the Australian Greens provided funding specifics, which included allocating Federal money for the un-tolled Scoresby Freeway towards public transport. This policy would end needless bickering between the state and federal government and deliver real alternatives to the outer east".

"Unfortunately no Federal Liberal members attended the forum. While we received an apology from Chris Pearce (Aston) we received nothing from Phil Barresi’s office (Deakin)." Mr Makin said. "The ALP and Greens candidate for Deakin were both present, why didn’t Mr. Barresi at least have the courtesy to issue an apology? Does Mr. Barresi demonstrate contempt for public transport or does he choose to ignore the problem?"

Substantial differences were apparent between the activities undertaken by the three local governments in the area. The City of Knox is in the final stages of a feasibility into the Rowville Rail Line and the Shire of Yarra Ranges is actively pursuing better public transport through its public transport committee.

"It is imperative that local government ensures that public transport is a key component of planning. Neil Rose the Mayor of Maroondah, however, was extremely scarce on detail. We request that the City of Maroondah publicly state its advocacy efforts to inform the public of its actions to advocate better public transport services".

"The State Government must realise that immediate action is required in the outer east. There was mutual agreement that the outer east has been neglected and that more needs to be done. The State Government must now deliver, as it promised to do since being elected in 1999. Residents in the Outer East expect nothing less" Mr. Makin concluded.

Contacts:
PTUA Office 9650 7898

© 2010 Public Transport Users Association Inc. (PTUA), Victoria, Australia. ABN 83 801 487 611.
General copying and distribution on a non-commercial basis is permitted subject to proper acknowlegement.
Authorised by Tony Morton, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, for the PTUA

Last Modified: 12 August 2004