The Eastern Transport Coalition’s (ETC) ‘monster petition’ will be presented on Thursday 24 June at 1.00pm on the steps of Parliament House.

The petition has travelled throughout Melbourne’s eastern region since 21 July 2009 and has been hosted by each of the seven members of the ETC – the municipalities of Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse, Dandenong, Manningham, Knox and Yarra Ranges.

It has collected approximately 13,000 signatures from various Council offices, shopping centres, train stations, universities, community festivals and markets.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin, said the petition called on the State Government to modify the Victorian Transport Plan to improve public transport in the eastern region.

“Public transport is an important issue for many people throughout Maroondah and beyond, so it’s vital that any gaps in its provision and planning are addressed,” Cr Makin said.

The petition will seek commitments from the State Government to modify the Victorian Transport Plan to include:

• Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in Central Activities Districts – including Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill.
• A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines.
• A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville.
• A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster.
• Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles.

The ETC advocates for sustainable and liveable transport services to reduce the level of car dependency to secure the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Melbourne’s outer east.