The next State election for Victoria will be held on Saturday, 29 November 2014, or possibly sooner.
--> https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Government/government-next.html
Twitter
NickMcCallum7 @NickMcCallum7
State ALP launches first ads for election year. Transport will be key campaign issue. 6pm #7NewsMelb
Twitter
Daniel Andrews @DanielAndrewsMP 16m
If elected @VictorianLabor will deliver #Homesafe: 24-hour public transport on weekends. #springst #thisislabor http://t.co/MfvCBL3RHA
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BeSpzuwCEAARGu-.jpg)
Twitter
Daniel Bowen @danielbowen
Metro/PTV looked at 24hr weekend trains http://www.danielbowen.com/2013/11/22/melbourne-24-hour-trains/ ... ALP now pledging to trial them http://www.news.com.au/news/victoria/labor-pledges-24hour-weekend-public-transport-for-melbourne-if-it-wins-november-election/story-fni0fit3-1226805009743 ... #allweekendtransport
Melbourne Age --> Napthine rejects all-night transport (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/napthine-rejects-allnight-transport-20140119-312hv.html)
Melbourne Age --> Labor needs protective services officers for 24-hour public transport plan (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/labor-needs-protective-services-officers-for-24hour-public-transport-plan-20140119-312rz.html)
Melbourne Age --> Fares 'up 22%' in Labor's trains plan (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/fares-up-22-in-labors-trains-plan-20140121-316xw.html)
::)
Victorian state election, 2014
The next Victorian state election is scheduled for 29 November 2014. The incumbent centre-right Liberal/National Coalition minority government, currently led by Premier Denis Napthine, will be challenged by the centre-left Australian Labor Party opposition, currently led by Daniel Andrews.
Victoria has compulsory voting and uses preferential ballot in single-member seats for the Legislative Assembly, and single transferable vote in multi-member seats for the proportionally represented Legislative Council. The election will be conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_state_election,_2014
Victorian Electoral Commission --> https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/
Melbourne Age --> This excuse doesn't stop here any more (http://www.theage.com.au/comment/the-age-editorial/this-excuse-doesnt-stop-here-any-more-20140427-37c53.html)
Melbourne Age --> Infrastructure is the new Victorian election battleground (http://www.theage.com.au/comment/infrastructure-is-the-new-victorian-election-battleground-20140430-zr1nj.html)
Melbourne Age --> Labor retains lead over Napthine government as job woes hurt Coalition (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/labor-retains-lead-over-napthine-government-as-job-woes-hurt-coalition-20140928-10mhko.html)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/By7o24FCUAEyOKZ.jpg)
Melbourne Age --> The sad truth about Melbourne's transport future (http://www.theage.com.au/comment/the-sad-truth-about-melbournes-transport-future-20141005-10ppb3.html)
The Guardian --> Victorian election: this time, can we please talk about public transport? (http://www.theguardian.com/world/victorian-election-the-countdown/2014/oct/06/talk-public-transport)
The Courier --> Alstom "stand-out" candidate for new train contract (http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/2658340/alstom-stand-out-candidate-for-new-train-contract/?cs=12)
Melbourne Age --> Victorian state election: Labor pledges $2m for a Bendigo rail service (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-state-election-labor-pledges-2m-for-a-bendigo-rail-service-20141030-11ee0l.html)
Melbourne Age --> Politicians bank on good weather, as train passengers' votes swing with service (http://www.theage.com.au/comment/politicians-bank-on-good-weather-as-train-passengers-votes-swing-with-service-20141106-11hud0.html)
Melbourne Age --> Victorian state election: Coalition reboots train promises with $3.9 billion (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-state-election-coalition-reboots-train-promises-with-39-billion-20141109-11j8zi.html)
Melbourne Age --> Trains: Running faster down the line (http://www.theage.com.au/national/trains-running-faster-down-the-line-20141107-11ifce.html)
Melbourne Age --> Universities' analysis shows East West link bill to reach $17.8 billion (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/universities-analysis-shows-east-west-link-bill-to-reach-178-billion-20141110-11jxox.html)
Just kill off this moronic project now!
18 km at 18 billion is $1 BILLION per Kilometre. All I can say is that is a $#&* HUGE amount of money. They may as well just pour gold as the road surface!
East-Waste Link!!
You could get 36km of gold class metro at that cost ($500 million/km)
Crikey (Alan Davies) --> Is it time Melbourne got a rail line to the airport? (http://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2014/11/11/is-it-time-melbourne-got-a-rail-line-to-the-airport/)
Quote from: LD Transit on November 11, 2014, 04:06:23 AM
Just kill off this moronic project now!
18 km at 18 billion is $1 BILLION per Kilometre. All I can say is that is a $#&* HUGE amount of money. They may as well just pour gold as the road surface!
East-Waste Link!!
You could get 36km of gold class metro at that cost ($500 million/km)
How cancelling the #EWLink can fund better transport alternatives for Melbourne > Study here: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/eupxwm692zjq1.pdf ...
In my opinion the article does not address the underlying issues in poor transport services in the middle and outer suburbs and that is that many of those middle and outer suburbs are not designed to allow adequate public transport service in those areas. Extra buses will only result in more empty buses that need to be paid from subsidies.
The plan required to improve PT service IMO in these areas is listed below
- Increase densities in central activity centres.
- Redesign from cul de sac designs to grid like streets.
- Improve pedestrian and cycling amenities.
- Allow more mixed use development.
Until the state government changes the design of these suburbs they will never be conducive to better PT services.
So you gonna pay to acquire the houses at the ends of culs de sac to demolish them?
Llib calling bull.
Basically the entire Melbourne metro area bounded by the western ring and Eastlink has main roads in a grid no more than 1.5km apart, so a very large portion of the population could and should have a high frequency east west/north south bus nearby.
The density of the rail network means you'll always pass close to several stations.
The cul de sacs in the middle of the grid don't impact the ability to do this.
QuoteIn my opinion the article does not address the underlying issues in poor transport services in the middle and outer suburbs and that is that many of those middle and outer suburbs are not designed to allow adequate public transport service in those areas. Extra buses will only result in more empty buses that need to be paid from subsidies.
There are cases of this. Caroline Springs, Sydenham spring to mind. The Melbourne bus network is horrible and the sooner PTV get stuck into it, the better. SmartBus is a step in the right direction, but again, bus network needs to be fixed up.
Its a question of urban design, the buses will remain empty despite an increase in services because the catchments of these buses have an inadequate population base to support these services without excessive subsidies.
Cul de sacs are bad for bus services because pedestrians (potential bus users) have to circumnavigate winding and dead end streets to get to bus stops. Creating little pedestrian paths to penetrate the cul de sacs usually does not help as there is little surveillance of these paths and can be perceived as dangerous in the evening.
As these designs began during the late 1960's up till today, it will be very expensive and politically difficult to redesign these streets, especially if it means turning a cul de sac street into a through road.
Another issue is the attempt to increase density and allow mixed use development in the middle and outer suburbs. Most people not only oppose apartments but also subdivisions and will not tolerate mixed uses in residential areas.
This means that many middle and outer suburbs will have poor PT services for many years or decades into the future.
Melbourne Age --> Napthine versus Andrews. Road versus rail is anything but simple (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/napthine-versus-andrews-road-versus-rail-is-anything-but-simple-20141114-11mj59.html)
Melbourne Age --> State election 2014: Labor promises $100 million to get Victorians on their bikes (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/state-election-2014-labor-promises-100-million-to-get-victorians-on-their-bikes-20141114-11mxsd.html)
The Australian --> Rail an issue in the Frankston corridor to power (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/rail-an-issue-in-the-frankston-corridor-to-power/story-e6frgczx-1227125009504)
Melbourne Age --> State election 2014: Coalition promises dozens more V/Line services across state (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/state-election-2014-coalition-promises-dozens-more-vline-services-across-state-20141118-11ovi8.html)
PTUA --> PTUA delivers transport verdict (http://www.ptua.org.au/2014/11/24/ptua-scorecard-2014/)
QuotePTUA delivers transport verdict
by admin · November 24, 2014
The Public Transport Users Association has delivered its verdict on party policies going into the state election.
While the PTUA recommended the Coalition over Labor in the 2010 election, PTUA President Tony Morton said they could not do so this time, because the unwanted, unmandated East West Link was a spectre hanging over the Coalition's policies and budget.
"No matter how much the government denies it, the East West Link will be a drag on transport budgets for the next quarter century. Stage one alone will cost well over fifteen billion dollars in up-front costs and availability payments. And it will entrench car dependence in Melbourne, most likely reversing the recent reductions in driving per capita.[1]
"East West Link is a betrayal of the Victorian people, who elected the Coalition in 2010 on the back of fixing public transport, not building more roads."
Election 2014 scorecard
The PTUA rated the Coalition a D. "They have some good rail policies, but given the near-dumping of Rowville and Doncaster Rail, and years of delay on Southland station, we remain skeptical that those policies will be delivered.
"And the Coalition's rail tunnel plan is flawed. Apparently designed on the back of an envelope, it makes no sense to connect a line from the south-east to a line from the east, and in the process miss the busy Parkville precinct."
Labor scored a B, for solid policies around level crossing removal, a trial of 24-hour services on weekends, and its declared position that the East West Link will not go ahead under any circumstances.
"Grade separations will improve travel for motorists, public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
"Of the two major parties, Labor scored better on public transport.
"To address Melbourne's congestion issues it is vital that public transport is improved through operational reform and increased funding. But they will need to make sure East West Link is scrapped", said Dr Morton.
The Greens scored an A, for a good range of public transport upgrade policies, including relatively affordable tram extensions that will fill network gaps, and upgraded signalling for more trains, and a firm commitment to stop the East West Link.
Dr Morton said that public transport had swung the 2010 election, and it looked like doing the same this time.
"The people spoke in 2010: they want better public transport, not more big roads. Surveys indicate that's still what Victorians want[2] – but are the politicians listening?"
* * *
[1] Vehicle kilometres per capita. BITRE report 127, figure 2.13 (page 18)
[2] Recent polls include:
Herald Sun 18/8/2014: 62% said Labor's plan to remove 50 level crossings is more important than Coalition's East West Link (28%)
Herald Sun 3/3/2014: Which project should have priority? 34% said Airport rail, 30% said 50 Level crossing removals, 15% East West Link, 15% Metro rail tunnel.
The Age 2/3/2014: Which project should have priority? 42% said Metro rail tunnel, 27% said 50 Level crossing removals, 24% said East West Link
The Age 28/11/2013: 74% said improving public transport was more important than East West Link (23%)
Melbourne Age --> Public transport user group slams Napthine government, calls for Greens vote (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/public-transport-user-group-slams-napthine-government-calls-for-greens-vote-20141124-11sip0.html)
I genuinely hope we do not go down the path of recommending any candidate or party over the other. The die is already cast down there, but I think it probably contributes to the negligible pull they have with any government.
Yo, Melbourne/Victoria elections are very much influenced by public transport issues. PSOs sprung out of the last election for example.
We have never ranked in the way PTUA does, we have always highlighted the policy failings no matter who, but importantly have always come up with suggestions and ways to do it or fix the issues eg. fare reform and network reform.
It is kind of reassuring to be called an 'LNP stooge' when ALP was driving the bus, now called an ' ALP stooge ' with LNP driving bus .... ::) :P
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ae/Healthywealthy.jpg)
Both state ALP & LNP cannot be trusted to make decent investments in PT and chances are that labor will go forward with EW Link if they are elected. Promises of investment in PT are just preelection stunts that are quietly forgotten once in government. I think it is important for the PTUA to highlight the promises made and broken and who is and who isn't genuine about prioritising PT investment.
The Conversation --> Victorian election spending spree shows a deficit of caution (https://theconversation.com/victorian-election-spending-spree-shows-a-deficit-of-caution-34754)
Twitter
Aust Railway Assoc @AustRail
Rail releases its public transport priorities for Victoria. http://tinyurl.com/lsobc24
The Guardian --> State politics is in trouble: five things that matter from the Victorian election (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/28/state-politics-is-in-trouble-five-things-that-matter-from-the-victorian-election?CMP=soc_568)
Melbourne Age --> Victorian election 2014: result likely to come down to the wire (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-election-2014-result-likely-to-come-down-to-the-wire-20141128-11wb6b.html)
=======================
The pre-poll votes have been very significant, around 25%. I suspect that those probably favour the Opposition. The Government has certainly made ground, achieved by aggressive high cost ' attack ' ad campaigns.
It has ' rained rail ' during the campaign. My guess is much of will not be done for some time if ever ... (sound familiar Queensland?).
EWLink will probably stand or fall on the Council legal challenges to come.
It is rather extraordinary that the Govt is on the wire. I think the pre-poll votes might push the ALP/Greens over the line.
Rising costs/km probably mean most of what is promised will be pushed out into the year 2090.
I expect a similar dynamic in Queensland. There's not that much the current lot seem to have done, apart from the train upgrade in January. The rest was just messing around/messing things up.
Hopefully it will rain buses here, much more likely to be delivered.
Twitter
Herald Sun @theheraldsun 5 hours ago
Tomorrow's front page
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B3hl5KtCYAAFMvS.jpg)
Melbourne Age --> Election promise: New train a month won't meet needs of growing population (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/election-promise-new-train-a-month-wont-meet-needs-of-growing-population-20141128-11w1t9.html)
My bets are on Daniel Andrews winning outright. A surprise really because I wouldn't have thought he'd be able to pull it off and his public profile is not that big. HOWEVER the laziness disease really has struck Victoria badly, same thing is happening in Queensland, the MPs can't solve anything really, silly expensive pie in the sky promises that are too expensive to keep and cost so much nobody really believes them to deliver anymore, lost in the blame the former lot (I randomly stumbled on a Vic Gov't press release while on a tour of a wholesale fruit and veg market and it had EXACTLY the same Red team this, red team that nonsense in it as QLD ones do).
Hopefully if my prediction comes true a 'lightbulb' moment will hit the current lot on the head.
Rushing to sign contracts for a superexpensive almost $20BN road project on election eve is also reckless, disrespectful and plain stupid.
Twitter
Robert Dow @Robert_Dow 34 minutes ago
Send ' roads only Tony ' a message. Stand firm Victoria .. STOP #EWLink #vicvotes #springst
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B3iurkFCcAAj36j.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B3iurniCQAEvell.jpg)
All over red rover ... ALP has won.
Victoria votes 2014 live: Labor wins election
http://www.abc.net.au/news/vic-election-2014/
Lessons for the QGov here, will write something about this... they blamed the previous lot and promised lots of things they couldn't fund. Well, ultimately you will get found out!!
Wow. News tonight said it might take a week for a winner.
Now that's a mandate!
Melbourne Age --> Victoria election 2014: Labor wins power as Coalition dumped after one term (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victoria-election-2014-labor-wins-power-as-coalition-dumped-after-one-term-20141129-11wuso.html)
Hey Premier Newman, you watching this?
Quote from: red dragin on November 29, 2014, 21:07:57 PM
Wow. News tonight said it might take a week for a winner.
Now that's a mandate!
Sounds like LNP media bias to me. It did not take Antony Green too long to call it and yet the Coalition candidates interviewed would still not admit defeat.
Brisbanetimes --> Victoria state election 2014: Denis Napthine concedes defeat (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victoria-state-election-2014-denis-napthine-concedes-defeat-20141129-11wwfi.html)
Quote from: pandmaster on November 30, 2014, 03:19:07 AM
Quote from: red dragin on November 29, 2014, 21:07:57 PM
Wow. News tonight said it might take a week for a winner.
Now that's a mandate!
Sounds like LNP media bias to me. It did not take Antony Green too long to call it and yet the Coalition candidates interviewed would still not admit defeat.
Statement was from an electoral commission representative I believe. Wasn't paying 100% attention.
I have been somewhat engaged with the lead up to the Vic election. There is no doubt that Abbott has had a very negative effect in Victoria.
The indications by Abbott that any monies for road projects would be recovered if not proceeded with was seen as 'political blackmail' even if justifiable from the Feds perspective. From that point on there was no hope for Napthine.
The Libs 'back of a coaster rail tunnel solution' was seen as a fraud as well.
I think the Victorian result will lift the opposition parties here in Queensland.
Twitter
Aust Railway Assoc @AustRail
Congratulations to @DanielAndrewsMP and VIC ALP on their election win. View ARA statement here - http://www.ara.net.au/UserFiles/file/Media%20Releases/14-11-30_Rail-congratulates-Victorian-Labor-on-election-win.pdf ...
ABC News --> Victoria election 2014: Labor win a mandate to scrap East West Link project, Premier-elect says (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-30/election-win-a-mandate-to-cancel-east-west-link-contract/5928776)
(http://backontrack.org/rbotletterhead1.jpg)
Media release 30th November 2014
Australia: Victoria election outcome confirms failure of Federal Government Infrastructure policy
RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the Abbott Government must now reverse its policy of not funding public transport.
Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:
"The Prime Minister Tony Abbott called the Victoria Election a referendum on the East West Link road tunnel project (1). Well the people have spoken, they have rejected the road tunnel project."
"The Prime Minister should reflect on the election outcome and note that people want better public transport too. We of course need roads, but not at the exclusion of public transport."
"The Andrew's Victorian Government must now get on with building better public transport for Victoria. The Abbott Government needs to respect the election outcome."
Reference:
1. Vic election referendum on EW Link: PM http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/vic-election-referendum-on-ew-link-pm/story-fni0xqi4-1227116976197
Contact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org
Twitter
Neil McMahon @NeilMcMahon 2 hours ago
Tone tells Victorians he wants to push on with that big tunnel they just voted against. This media strategy is a kind of performance art.
====================
:-r :clp: :clp:
Melbourne Age --> Nationals could lose party status after disastrous showing (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/nationals-could-lose-party-status-after-disastrous-showing-20141130-11x412.html)
Melbourne Age --> Victoria's vote 'a clear message to Tony Abbott' (http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/victorias-vote-a-clear-message-to-tony-abbott-20141130-11wzcm.html)
The Guardian --> How will the Victorian election result affect Tony Abbott? (http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/nov/30/how-will-the-victorian-election-result-affect-tony-abbott)
QuoteCoalition's defeat has potential to frustrate Abbott's agenda to reshape federation and the tax system, while reigniting debate on transport funding ...
... But, in a sign of an imminent battle between the two leaders over transport priorities, Abbott said the East West Link was "a vital national infrastructure project" and he was determined to do what he could to ensure it was completed.
The road project, designed to connect the city's Eastern Freeway to the Western Ring Road, was one of the major points of difference during the Victorian election campaign.
Andrews described East West Link as "a secretive, rushed and botched project" and has placed a higher priority on the Melbourne metro link.
During the campaign, Abbott cast the election as "a referendum on the East West Link" and he later wrote to Andrews warning the $3bn the federal government had committed was "only available to build the East West Link" and would not be reallocated to another project.
This reflected Abbott's position that the federal government should not fund urban public transport projects ...
Twitter
James Raynes @jimmyraynes 7 minutes ago
ping @J_C_Campbell #springst #vicvotes
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B3qyR72CUAAkU6f.jpg)
=================
:o :P
Melbourne Age --> Victoria election 2014: Daniel Andrews to release East West Link documents (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victoria-election-2014-daniel-andrews-to-release-east-west-link-documents-20141130-11wzn6.html)
Quote from: rtt_rules on December 01, 2014, 01:38:13 AM
Quote from: red dragin on November 30, 2014, 08:10:09 AM
Quote from: pandmaster on November 30, 2014, 03:19:07 AM
Quote from: red dragin on November 29, 2014, 21:07:57 PM
Wow. News tonight said it might take a week for a winner.
Now that's a mandate!
Sounds like LNP media bias to me. It did not take Antony Green too long to call it and yet the Coalition candidates interviewed would still not admit defeat.
Statement was from an electoral commission representative I believe. Wasn't paying 100% attention.
Its easier to claim victory from opposition than it is for a seated member to claim defeat, what if there is a late change in the counting?
My prediction.
Abbott will lead to next election and the Fed LNP will win (yes, PT is not a national issue that will impact on enough votes). After 1 year, Abbott will stand aside in a deal brokered behind the scenes giving him a plum job somewhere like Ambassador to USA, UK or UN. Bishop and Hockey running the show and a more favourable PT friendly policies to follow.
As Qld election is first, Abbott will throw money at Qld in non PT direction, thus freeing the Qld budget to fund UBAT and other projects, thus avoiding the back flip.
NSW also has its 4 year fixed term election next year, but as the state LNP has previously told the feds to Fook off on infrastructure spending when it comes to rail projects, nothing will change. Maybe something again to help NSW fund the 2nd harbour rail crossing through off-set funding.
I very much doubt that Abbott will win the next election at this stage (although 2 years is a LONG time politics wise), namely at this stage he's unpopular moreso for the policies that the public in general disagree with, namely of targeting things like Medicare, Welfare and Education. Sure Transport may not be high on the agenda of the general public, and hence won't really influence them (except perhaps in parts of Melbourne), but certainly on those other items where a lot of people are upset and in general feel that the Abbott Government is targeting the wrong people.
And I know within my own friend base who are traditional Liberal voters, a few of them have gone off Abbott and are not impressed by those policy positions that he's trying to push through the Senate, of which I think a lot of them won't get through, especially now Lambie has gone independent of the PUP which will make it a lot harder to get really anything through the Senate that is considered detrimental to what the Senate seems to be feeling, an attack on vunerable people (particularly from the Greens, ALP and for some issues Lambie, plus depending on what PUP gets out of the negotiations, they will probably flip flop right until the next election).
NSW is a bit different, the Liberal Leader down there does seem to have his head screwed on from what I've seen and I think the only real thing that I can see going against him was the results of the ICAC inquiry.
Qld I think will either be an LNP win with a much stronger opposition with the ALP gaining quite a few Seats back, or a hung parliament. I'm thinking the former at this stage, unless the Newman factor is enough to sway enough voters to put the LNP back onto the opposition side of the benches, which at this stage I don't think it is. One thing is for sure, I'm quite certain that Campbell Newman will not be re-elected in his Seat of Ashgrove.
Melbourne Age --> Victorian state election 2014: Tony Abbott's spinners deluding themselves (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-state-election-2014-tony-abbotts-spinners-deluding-themselves-20141130-11x2f5.html)
Twitter
PTUA @ptua 11 seconds ago
Open Letter to Tony Abbott: Your referendum is lost. Please put the $3 billion back (to rail)
http://www.ptua.org.au/2014/12/01/open-letter-to-tony-abbott/ ...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B3uAlNwCQAAE3Xq.jpg)
http://www.ptua.org.au/2014/12/01/open-letter-to-tony-abbott/
An Open Letter to the Hon Tony Abbott MP, Prime Minister of Australia
1st December 2014
Dear Mr Abbott,
On 8 November when you visited Victoria, you declared our State election a referendum on the East West Link.
This was a statement of political reality. The East West Link was the most obvious point of difference between the two major parties contesting this election and, as you rightly stated, Victorians were aware they had a clear choice.
The Victorian public has now rendered its verdict. By a decisive majority they have elected the party that promised to cancel the East West Link contracts and not to proceed with any part of the East West Link project.
The result recognises that the East West Link will in time only add to traffic congestion. It recognises that by draining the State of funds for other transport improvements it will lead to time wasted rather than time saved. It recognises that other more worthwhile projects will create more jobs and prosperity for Victorians.
It is now incumbent on you, Mr Abbott, to honour the referendum result and return the $3 billion of Commonwealth Government funding to its original purpose.
In May 2013 the Commonwealth Government committed these funds for urgent rail capacity projects in Melbourne. Your government withdrew this commitment in order to reallocate the funds to the East West Link project, despite the Link having a conventional benefit-cost ratio of at most 80 cents in the dollar, and despite Infrastructure Australia stating the project required further assessment.
The $3 billion of Commonwealth Government funding must now be returned to support better public transport in Victoria, honouring Infrastructure Australia's recommendation in 2011 when it said the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel was 'Ready to Proceed'.
Mr Abbott, that $3 billion does not belong to you. It belongs to the people of Australia, who when asked directly at any time in the past decade, state by a clear majority that they want funding priority for public transport over new roads.
Your defunding of urban public transport, including many well-advanced projects across the country, in favour of a discredited 1960s road-building agenda is harming the health and prosperity of Australia's cities. It is making Australia a laughing stock in the eyes of the world and damaging your government's standing domestically.
The result of your 'East West Link referendum' provides you with an opportunity for honourable change.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Morton
President, Public Transport Users Association
FB https://www.facebook.com/AMacTiernan/posts/10152918702717700
Alannah MacTiernan
Great result in Victoria - really tells us that in the 21st century the punters understand the need in a city to give priority to public transport projects.
Tony Abbott should now lift his fatwa on federal funding of public transport and restore the $500 million he stripped from Perth rail projects at the last budget in pursuit of his ideology.
Federal policy is being driven by his view idiosyncratic view of trains and cars. Tony Abbott: "Public transport is generally slow, expensive, not especially reliable" -the dude hasn't been to Perth!
I think states need their tax powers reorganised. Federal Gov't to fund things of national importance - national rail, national roads, airports.
States to fund things within their borders
etc.
The people who know the needs best - the states - shouldn't have to go to Canberra, who knows nothing about the local need - to get money.
Infrastructure Australia was working fine, till Abbott turned it into ' Roads Australia ' ...
Under the present tax set up the IA approach is one to roll with. Until the tax set up changed not much alternative. Abbott is going to find it a lot more difficult to change the tax setup, another state has fallen.
Abbott's days are numbered now.
Melbourne Age --> Analysis: Abbott rips $3b from Victoria at his own peril (http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/analysis-abbott-rips-3b-from-victoria-at-his-own-peril-20141130-11x6qk.html)
QuoteAs if Tony Abbott isn't backing enough hopeless causes, he may now have added another one to his list.
Abbott declared last week that the weekend's election would be a referendum on the East West Link.
Now, in the wake of a disastrous result for the Coalition at least in part because of the road, he maintains he is determined to see the East West Link finished - no matter what.
The incoming Labor government is adamant it doesn't want the road ...
More --> http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/analysis-abbott-rips-3b-from-victoria-at-his-own-peril-20141130-11x6qk.html
Melbourne Age --> Labor campaign tweaks won over undecided Victorian voters (http://www.theage.com.au/comment/labor-campaign-tweaks-won-over-undecided-victorian-voters-20141206-120xg6.html)