By Parker McKenzie
Knox City Council has reiterated its advocacy goals ahead of the 2022 Victorian State Election, as it seeks further funding for kindergarten places, investment in renewing Boronia and the extension of the Route 75 tram into Upper Ferntree Gully.
Knox City Mayor Susan Laukens said in October 2021, the council adopted its state and federal advocacy positions.
“All levels of government play a role in ensuring our community has access to education, jobs, housing, public transport, services and facilities, while safeguarding our future through adapting to climate change and reducing emissions,” she said.
“As Mayor, I’ve been meeting with our local state and federal Members of Parliament and candidates to discuss issues of importance to the community we all represent.”
The advocacy goals include funding to provide extra kindergarten places, a new mental health service in Wantirna, the building of two social housing developments for women at risk of homelessness, building a new hockey facility and upgrading facilities at Lewis Park.
“Investment from all levels of government is needed for the Boronia Station and shopping centre renewal,” Mayor Laukens said.
“Council seeks funding for better public transport options in Melbourne’s east, including a trackless tram route between Caulfield Station and Rowville, and extension of the Route 75 tram from Vermont South to Upper Ferntree Gully Station and Bayswater Business Precinct.”
On Wednesday 6 July, Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling — who will run against current MP Jackson Taylor in the Bayswater electorate — announced an election promise of $2 million for a feasability study into extending the route-75 tram.
“Traffic congestion and public transport accessibility are critical issues in our area that have been overlooked by the Andrews Labor Government,” he said.
“Extending the tram line to Knox would mean cheaper, easier, better public transport for local residents.”
When asked by the Star Mail in July about his position on the 75-tram line extension, Mr Taylor said the current Labor State Government is always looking for ways to “improve transport connections in the community, whether it be trams, trains or buses, including extending the current 75-tram line to Knox.”
“It was Labor that extended the 75-tram line from Burwood East to Vermont South, the Liberals have never committed to delivering or delivered any extension to the 75-tram and they still haven’t,” he said.
“The Liberals promised to provide rail to Rowville in their last term of Government but didn’t lay a single meter of track. If they don’t deliver projects they promised, there is no chance they will deliver projects they haven’t promised.”
The Liberal Party has also made a $600 million commitment for a 250-bed hospital in the Wantirna Health Precinct.
“Our community should know that we are speaking up, lobbying and advocating strongly for increased investment in Knox.” Mayor Laukens said.
Next week, the Star Mail will ask the candidates for Bayswater their positions on Knox’s advocacy goals and whether they support each initiative.
