All aboard rates discount
THE return of rail to South Gippsland could bring with it development, economic growth and cheaper council rates.
Attending a meeting hosted by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) in Leongatha last Thursday, South Gippsland Shire Council Cr Andrew McEwen said Australia had inadequate public transport.
He said returning rail would encourage more people to live in the shire and the extra population would in turn help to reduce rates.
“If the train line was returned, it could speed up development in the area. Currently the population of South Gippsland is at around 28,000,” he said.
“At 35,000 the asset load per assessment drops and rates could decrease.”
Cr McEwen said South Gippsland could welcome another 50,000 people to the shire without having to open new land for development.
“The introduction of rail to other areas has seen an increase in property values of 20 per cent,” he said.
Max Semken from the South West Gippsland Transport Group said the meeting was positive.
“We will be looking at some very good outcomes. I think it will be an economic game changer for the region, including Bass Coast, South Gippsland and the old Alberton shires,” he said.
Other concerns raised at the meeting included the visibility of current bus stops on the Melbourne to Yarram route and the availability of tickets for bus services, particularly on weekends.
Regional Development Australia Gippsland committee chair Richard Elkington said the meetings held in Leongatha and Wonthaggi recently were the best attended in Gippsland.
“South Gippsland already has an action group. They are organised and they advocate very effectively for the region,” he said.
“When PTV asked if there were any places that should be revisited, South Gippsland was chosen.”
Mr Elkington said the community consultation sessions aimed to prepare a submission for the government budget by the end of the year.
Talking trains: from left, Erin Coldham from Public Transport Victoria, Don Bellingham from Leongatha, Robert Whitehall from Seaford, and Chris Cantlon and Max Semken from the South West Gippsland Transport Group consider possible transport routes for South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Oct 27 2015. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
