Gary's Speeches

Rail: Narracan Electorate

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Once again the rail commuters of Narracan are being treated with pure contempt by this Labor government. During 2006, while waiting for the arrival of the 'farce' train, commuters were constantly subjected to delays, cancellations and overcrowding. The 'farce' train has arrived late and way over budget, and still Gippsland commuters are facing uncertainty with at times very inadequate services. Is it too hard for the government to provide extra carriages at peak times or on days of historical high demand -- for example, high-profile Australian Football League games at the MCG or Telstra Dome?

The Premier may need reminding of what he wrote in a discussion paper in 1997.

The now Premier stated that the Labor Party, which was then in opposition, would make representations to V/Line to ensure country timetables were better distributed so that transport users had better access to the required timetables and modal linkages. I wonder what happened to this promise to regional Victorians. Another broken promise! It does not matter whether it is rail or road, the Labor government has let regional Victorians down. Also in 1997 the new Premier called for a rural roads recovery package. He stated that not maintaining country roads not only was economically irresponsible but also ignored the steady increase in road fatalities. As the new Premier of Victoria it is time for him to stick to his word and show some genuine concern for the safety of country rail and road users, and in particular the people of Narracan.