Tonight’s Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) meeting included discussions with Gary Liddle (CEO) and Robert Freemantle (Executive Director – Network & Asset Planning) from VicRoads. A number of questions were directed towards VicRoads particularly in regard to management of an integrated transport network.

Specifically I asked about the VicRoads plans for Maroondah Highway given that the State Government failed to provide funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. While it was understood that VicRoads agreed to the need of calming Maroondah Highway in the context of the station redevelopment, it was unclear whether this would be undertaken separately.

Perhaps unsurprisingly VicRoads is unwilling to consider calming of Maroondah Highway without a commitment from the State Government in regard to Ringwood Station. This will severely impact on the ability to revitalise Ringwood and businesses along Maroondah Highway and while VicRoads stated that they will consider interim solutions no details were discussed as to what options would be considered.

While the government had a tremendous opportunity to ensure an integrated transport approach through its creation of the Department of Transport, it has failed to incorporate VicRoads within this structure. VicRoads will still remain a statutory authority with direct reporting lines to the Minister for Roads. This added advantage for VicRoads, with its own separate operating budget, leaves public transport as well as other forms of sustainable transport, such as cycling and walking, at a disadvantage.

Likewise there is still a disconnect between transport and planning. The failure to announce funding for Ringwood Station is indicative of this since it jeopardises the future of the Ringwood transit City and the creation of a vibrant town centre.

The Eastern Transport Coalition recognises the regional significance of the Ringwood Transit City and the importance of creating an accessible and safe station. The strength of the Eastern Transport Coalition, through its representation of seven councils and one million residents, will assist in ensuring funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

The strength of the Eastern Transport Coalition was recognised when it successfully led a campaign to abolish zone three and this influence will be recognise once again with the group standing united on the need for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

The Eastern Transport Coalition is preparing a public transport summit for Friday the 4th of July. This summit will include details on the public transport needs in the outer eastern suburbs.