monster petition coming to yarra ranges

The Eastern Transport Coalition’s Monster Petition is coming to Yarra Ranges. The petition touches down at the Lilydale Show on Saturday 21st November and will be there for the duration of the show. The Monster Petition will make its way around the Yarra Ranges over the next three weeks, for details of where and when visit the ETC’s website.

Me, signing the monster petition at its launch at Monash University in July, 2009.

Because the Monster Petition can’t be everywhere a looseleaf version of the petition will be available at all community links, aquatic centres and shire facilities.

The Monster Petition will be presented to parliament early next year to gain commitments from all political parties to deliver improved public transport services in our region. At the moment the Victorian Transport Plan delivers very little to the East and we want to see that change.

Students from Monash University were keen to sign the monster petition. Monash has no rail links with many students force to drive cars, the car park is a testament to students being forced to drive.

The Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) represents seven Councils in the outer east and advocates for accessible and integrated sustainable transport in the eastern region of Melbourne to improve liveability and reduce car dependency.

Petition wording:
PETITION To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria
The Petition of residents and businesses in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne points out to the House that the Victorian Transport Plan does not make provision for the extension of much needed rail services and improved passenger facilities to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria seek a commitment from the Government to modify the plan to include:
1.A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
2.A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster,
3.A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
4.A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines.
5.Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
6.Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles.