With a number of council initiated groups being formed to tackle Melbourne’s ongoing transport woes, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) organised a joint meeting between these groups to ensure a coordinated approach to these issues.

Presentations were made by the:

• Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF);
• Western Transport Alliance;
• Eastern Transport Coalition;
• Coalition for People’s Transport, and
• MAV Transport and Infrastructure Group.

A number of similar issues emerged throughout the presentations. This included the need for the State Government to provide much needed investment in rail extensions, the need for the East-West Needs Assessment to incorporate public transport improvements, and the scope for federal involvement in public transport.

In particular the East-West Needs Assessment will be a clear test of the State Government’s commitment to sustainable transport. The study which is due to provide its findings next year must include recommendations for substantial public transport improvements including, heavy-rail to Doncaster and a boost to rail services in the western suburbs.