Tonight’s Eastern Transport Coalition meeting focused on setting the agenda for 2009. The agenda included the election of Chairperson and Deputy Chair and discussion around the priorities over the next two years.

With State and Federal elections both due in 2010 it is important that the Eastern Transport Coalition continue its advocacy for public transport improvements to ensure that the outer suburbs are provided with transport choice and a public transport system that is competitive with car travel.

The ETC will continue to focus on its advocacy for more frequent and readily available public transport services that is accessible to all members of our community. In particular a number of stations do not currently meet disability compliance standards restricting the mobility of residents within the outer eastern suburbs.

Samantha Dunn, a Councillor from the Shire of Yarra Ranges was appointed as the Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition and I have been re-appointed as Deputy Chair.