Transport forum to hear concerns

Melton Highway traffic issues. (Supplied)

Melton council is encouraging residents in Brimbank to let state election candidates know what their transport needs are at an upcoming community transport forum.

Organised by the Metropolitan Transport Forum advocacy group, the event on October 6 will cover all forms of transport across the Kororoit electorate which includes Aintree, Albanvale, Burnside, Burnside

Heights, Cairnlea, Caroline Springs, Deanside, Deer Park, Derrimut, Mount Cottrell, Mt Atkinson, Ravenhall, Rockbank and Truganina – and the Melton and Brimbank municipalities.

Candidates will have the chance talk about what their plans are for roads and public transport if elected.

There will also be an opportunity for candidates to answer questions.

Liberal candidate John Fletcher and Labor candidate Luba Grigorovich will be in attendance as well as upper house Western Metropolitan candidates, the Greens’ Bernadette Thomas and independent Catherine Cummings.

Kororoit is one of Melbourne’s fastest growing areas but has missed out on transport infrastructure investment leaving local residents disadvantaged as they try to access work, school and services.

Public transport and roads have consistently been one of the issues facing the Melton municipality.

Melton council has launched the Fix our Roads campaign in the lead up to this year’s federal and state elections.

This forum has been organised by the Metropolitan Transport Forum which is an advocacy group comprising members from Melbourne metropolitan local governments, associate

members representing transport companies, and participants from the State Government and environment groups.

Melton mayor Goran Kesic said they have been calling for more state investment in transport across the region – with our major roads, rail and bus networks all in desperate need of upgrades.

“Our residents are facing long commutes, high transport costs, and less time spent with families,” he said.

“We’ve got 50 new families moving into our city each week and 50 babies being born. This is one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

“We launched the Fix our Roads campaign calling on all candidates to invest in our major roads. Many of our roads are already at capacity and our population is going to more than double by 2050.

“Let your state election candidates know what your transport needs are and tell your story straight to them.”

Metropolitan Transport Forum chair Jonathan Marsden said the Kororoit forum hosted by Melton is a unique opportunity to discuss key transport issues in Melbourne’s rapidly growing west with candidates from across the political spectrum.

The forum will be held on October 6 at 6.30pm at Burnside Children’s and Community Centre.

Tickets to the event are limited.

Details: mtf.org.au/upcoming-events/mtf-forum-kororoit or fixourroads.com.au