Today’s MAV Transport and Infrastructure Advisory Group meeting included a further presentation in regard to the East-West Needs Assessment (otherwise known as the Eddington Study). The presenters spoke about the study scope and that it will include an examination of the rail and public transport needs for the western suburbs.

The final report from the East-West Needs Assessment will be due around May next year and is likely to include a number of recommendations for Melbourne’s overall infrastructure needs.

The advisory group was also updated on the recent motion to the MAV board, which will allow the MAV to develop a research paper investigating federal involvement in urban public transport and the current taxation disincentives for public transport usage. This research paper will be developed in conjunction with other transport coalitions and will serve as a framework for the MAV’s position on the issue.