CMetropolitan Transport Forum to be held in Mernda - Access Denied

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Metropolitan Transport Forum to be held in Mernda

Cr Mary Lalios encouraged all Whittlesea residents to attend Metropolitan Transport Forum in Mernda on September 28 and share their transport woes.

"This is an opportunity for residents to meet candidates face to face to discuss their concerns and ideas and have their questions answered," Cr Lalios said.

"Major road upgrades and provision of public transport are certainly among the main election issues for our community in the lead up to the State election in November," she said

"As the fastest growing postcode in Australia, about 51,000 additional people will eventually live in the Mernda/Doreen growth area alone and 80,000 within the corridor from South Morang to Whittlesea township. Local traffic congestion will only get worse if significant State Government funds are not invested in our area.

"A report by the Auditor General last year revealed that an estimated $764 million needs to be invested in the City of Whittlesea to address long standing transport infrastructure needs.

"So, it comes as no surprise that whenever Council consults with residents on issues of concern to them, we are constantly told that traffic congestion and a lack of public transport options are the major issues affecting them on a daily basis."

Cr Lalios identified:

• The extension of the South Morang Rail line to Mernda;
• Construction of access ramps on the Hume Freeway in O'Herns Road;
• Continuation of the Route 86 tram up Plenty Road;
• Upgrading of Yan Yean Road; and
• Expansion of bus services across the electorate

as issues which she thought would be raised at the forum.

"I am certain that some of these issues will be raised on Sunday and that the conversations and questions will be of great interest and prove very valuable to our three candidates and to everyone attending," Cr Lalios said.

"I encourage all residents to attend the forum and ask their transport questions to the candidates to ensure they can make an informed choice when they are asked to vote for a new State Government in November," she said.

The Metropolitan Transport Forum will be held at the Mernda Village Community Activity Centre on Sunday, September 28 from 2pm to 3.30pm. To RSVP or obtain more information, visit the MTF website at www.mtf.org.au

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