Cry for rail help

By Paul Pickering
KNOX and Yarra Ranges mayors last week joined an unprecedented seven-city power-play to secure federal funding for public transport infrastructure in Melbourne’s east.
Mayors of the seven councils that make up the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) converged upon the Vermont South tram terminus on Monday 15 October to give their signatures to letters urging Prime Minister John Howard and Leader of the Opposition Kevin Rudd to commit to major public transport projects.
The coalition of Knox, Yarra Ranges, Greater Dandenong, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash and Whitehorse councils believe they are in a strong position to secure the funding, given that their region includes several key marginal seats for the upcoming federal election.
“Members of both parties have already indicated that they agree with the need, primarily for environmental reasons, to fund urban public transport,” ETC chairman and Knox councillor Mick Van De Vreede said.
“Now we want their leaders to agree as well.”
While public transport infrastructure has traditionally been the responsibility of the State Government, Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan said the combined population of one million people represented by the ETC councils demanded that the Federal Government step in to assist the states.
“The Federal Government plays a role in funding infrastructure for ports and airports and for roads, why should the provision of critical public transport infrastructure be any different?” he asked.
Among the key infrastructural upgrades being called for by Knox and Yarra Ranges are the duplication of the Belgrave railway line, the extension of tram services to Knox City and the extension of the Huntingdale railway line to Rowville.
Cr Heenan noted that the benefits of these projects would be reaped not only by commuters but also the environment.
“One of the most significant contributions the two major parties could make to climate change and to the quality of life of taxpayers is to assist in helping get more people off the roads and into an efficient, reliable and effective public transport system,” he said.
The ETC is still awaiting a response to the letters.