PREMIER LAUNCHES EDDINGTON REPORT ONLINE FORUM

From the Premier's website - http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/premier-launches-eddington-report-online-forum.html

Tuesday, 08 July 2008
Victorians will have the opportunity to participate in a live, online forum about Sir Rod Eddington’s report into Melbourne’s east-west transport needs as the Brumby Government moves towards the conclusion of a 15-week public feedback period.

Premier John Brumby today announced that on Friday this week, the Brumby Government would lead a 2.5 hour, online discussion with interested people, about recommendations in Sir Rod Eddington’s report – Investing in Transport. “Sir Rod Eddington has proposed major projects which he believes will help lock-in Melbourne’s economy, liveability and amenity for the future,” Mr Brumby said. “We said the key to framing the Government’s response to these proposals was to hear from Victorians who cycle to work, drive across town and catch trains, trams and buses, because Melbourne’s transport network belongs to the people who use it. “That’s why we are having a 15-week public feedback period during which we’ve asked to hear from people - no matter where they live – about what they think of Sir Rod’s report.

And with about 500 submissions so far received I’m pleased that people are taking up the opportunity to be part of this debate. “With one week to go until that public
consultation period ends, now is the right time to invite interested people to
participate in an online discussion about Sir Rod’s report and we hope many
people will take-up the opportunity to join in the discussion.”

Sir Rod Eddington’s report, Investing in Transport, includes two major infrastructure recommendations and a number of other significant initiatives to address
transport issues in Melbourne’s east-west corridor. Key recommendations in
the report include:

• A 17km rail tunnel linking Melbourne’s western and south eastern suburbs;
• An 18km road corridor that provides an alternative to the West Gate Bridge;
• Targeted road improvements to remove truck traffic from local roads in the inner western suburbs;
• A major boost to bus services for Doncaster;
• Improved cycling connections.

“Our Government has a strong record in investing in improvements to transport across the state but we need to keep planning for future demands on our transport system,” Mr Brumby said.
“Investing in transport connections and delivering the right solutions for
transport between Melbourne’s eastern and western suburbs is vital to our future
prosperity.”

The Brumby Government’s Investing in Transport Online Forum will take place at the Premier’s website, www.premier.vic.gov.au and run from 9.30am to 12pm.
People who want to take part can register beforehand at the Premier’s website.
Participants in the forum will include Parliamentary Secretary for Public
Transport, Rob Hudson and East-West Needs Assessment study leader, Tony Canavan.

Investing in Transport is available at www.transport.vic.gov.au/eastwestyoursay and submissions can be made through this website or by post to East-West transport options review, C/-Department of Transport, GPO Box 2797, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. Public submissions to Sir Rod’s report are open until Tuesday, 15 July, 2008.