As the Maroondah representative on the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC), I will be travelling to Canberra on the 14th and 15th August alongside John Bennie, CEO of Greater Dandenong and Mick van de Vreede, chairperson of the ETC.

This trip will involve the direct lobbying of Government and Opposition MPs to seek federal funding for public transport, as well as providing an opportunity to meet peak bodies such as the Australasian Railways Association and the Australian Local Governance Association.

Congestion, through delays in delivery schedules and opportunity costs, has been estimated to cost $2.44 billion for Melbourne’s eastern and southeastern suburbs and this car dependence contributes $3.2 billion worth of greenhouse emissions. While the State Government must not be excused for its poor performance and broken promises over public transport it is imperative that the Federal Government shows leadership in maintaining and creating sustainable communities.

The trip to Canberra is one facet of the ETC’s campaign to ensure a sustainable future for Melbourne’s eastern and southeastern suburbs.