ETC Chairperson, Cr Mick Van De Vreede has welcomed the establishment of the Building Australia Fund as a clear commitment from the Federal Government to fund significant urban public transport projects.

“The ETC has been campaigning for the Federal Government to once again fund significant urban public transport projects and the Building Australia fund is the first step in doing that.

“This is our opportunity to secure funding for rail to Rowville, rail to Doncaster and expansions of capacity of the Belgrave/Lilydale line and Dandenong lines.

“With Eastlink almost open its time for the outer east to campaign for better public transport.

“Funding extensions to rail in outer urban areas will help families deal with the rising cost of living and tackle climate change.

“Our community agrees with this. In a survey of 1000 voters conducted last year by Auspol the key finding was that a majority of people believe that the Federal Government should consider funding major additions to urban public transport in the same manner it funds roads.

“There were a number of reasons why people want better public transport. For instance 54% of respondents said the lack or poor quality of public transport infrastructure had a direct affect on their family, 67% said it increased their fuel costs and 65% said it increased their travel time.

“Two weeks ago we also spoke to over 500 local commuters at the Box Hill, Glen Waverley and Belgrave railway stations, Monash University and the Doncaster Park and Ride. The clear message is that they want upgrades, extensions and increased rail services.

  • 71 per cent of commuters at the Doncaster Park and Ride want rail to Doncaster
  • 51 per cent of commuters at the Belgrave station want more services on Belgrave/Lilydale line
  • 50 per cent of commuters at the Box Hill station want more services on Belgrave/Lilydale line
  • 33 per cent of commuters at Monash Uni want rail to Rowville and 24 per cent want more services on the Dandenong line
  • 52 per cent of commuters at Glen Waverly want more services on the Glen Waverley line

“The ETC will write to the Federal Transport Minister seeking a portion of the $75M fund for feasibility studies be used to create a public transport upgrade plan for the outer east, which would include extensions to rail and integrate with the public transport outcomes of the Eddington study,” Cr Mick Van De Vreede concluded.

For more information please contact;

ETC Chairperson Cr Mick Van De Vreede 0438 029 932
CPR Communications, Robert Larocca 0409 198 350