The MAV’s Transport and Infrastructure Advisory Group is charged with providing recommendations to the MAV Board on matters relating to the infrastructure needs of Melbourne and Victoria.
Over the course of this year the group will be focusing on federal funding for public transport, the infrastructure needs for Melbourne’s growth corridors and issues relating to Victoria’s rail freight network.
Australia remains the only OECD nation where the Federal Government does not invest in urban public transport infrastructure and this is particularly apparent in areas that are experiencing high rates of urban growth. Likewise the State Government will not meet its goal of increasing the percentage rail freight unless urgent investment is provided.
AusLink, the Federal Government’s transport strategy, needs to be broadened in scope to incorporate urban public transport to ensure a holistic approach to Australia’s transport infrastructure.