Include Rowville and Doncaster rail in infrastructure blitz
The benefits of Victoria’s infrastructure developments will outweigh the short term pain of road and public transport disruptions, but even more public transport projects need the green light according to Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton.
MOTION – Inquiry in homelessness in Victoria
My motion asks the Legal and Social Issues Committee to provide an independent analysis of the changing scale and nature of homelessness across Victoria. We need to get a proper handle on this. I want the committee to investigate why, and what are the many social, economic and policy factors that impact on homelessness, and I want the committee to identify policies and practices from all levels of government that have a bearing on delivering services to the homeless.
Rowville Rail Line planning & design works due
Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (18:04): The matter I raise tonight is for the Minister for Public Transport, Minister Horne. I ask the minister for an update on the progress of planning and design works on the Rowville public transport extension. In April last year the Labor government announced $3 million for design and planning works for a train or rail extension between Caulfield and Rowville. At the time they said these works would be complete in a year—tick-tock. The 2018–19 federal budget also promised $475 million over a five-year period towards construction of a heavy rail line to service Monash.
In talks with Knox council this week we reviewed their public transport vision. The council’s preference is to run heavy rail from Huntingdale through to Rowville. They expressed concerns that stopping at Monash would disadvantage those travelling from the east and that any future business case for a further extension would never stack up if only part of the project was completed now.
Commuters in the eastern suburbs are car captives, the public transport offerings to move around these areas are minimal, and this contributes significantly to increasing congestion on our freeways and roads. Businesses along the proposed extension in Knox and Monash generate almost $27 billion to our state and national economy. These business communities are expanding rapidly, offering jobs, apprenticeships and education opportunities to local residents and those travelling from new suburbs further out. However, getting to work by public transport is almost impossible and car congestion in the area is a nightmare and will only get worse. So I ask the minister to release the findings of the planning and design works through to Rowville or provide an explanation of why this project has been delayed.
Upgrades needed at Box Hill Interchange
“I have invited the Minster to visit the Box Hill interchange with me to witness the extreme overcrowding at peak hour, and to take the opportunity to share information with local Council and stakeholders on the transport needs in the area and the progress of the steering committee.”
Box Hill Public Transport
My adjournment today is directed to the Minister for Public Transport, Minister Horne. I would like to invite the minister to visit Box Hill interchange with me one peak-hour morning and witness the extreme overcrowding at peak hour and take the opportunity to share information with the local council and stakeholders on the transport needs in the area.
Duplication of the Hurstbridge Rail Line
I ask the minister to expedite second-stage upgrade work on the Hurstbridge line and extend the line duplication to include sections between Montmorency and Diamond Creek.
Jog for Joey
Congratulations to Sean Bell and the team behind Jog for Joey for a truly amazing effort – 50 marathons in just 50 days!