City of Stonnington launches transport priorities



City of Stonnington Mayor Cr Adrian Stubbs has announced The City of Stonnington's priority transport projects as part of the Inner South Metropolitan Mayors' Forum (ISMMF) election platform. ISMMF represents seven councils within Melbourne's inner south, incorporating Stonnington, Bayside, Boroondara, Glen Eira, Kingston, Port Phillip and Yarra.

"Stonnington supports projects that reduce congestion, increase connectivity and relieve strain on our city's services as Melbourne's population rapidly grows," says Cr Stubbs.

"We're partnering with six other ISMMF councils to improve transport services for inner south's 830,000 residents and the hundreds of thousands of commuters passing through our transit corridors," he says.

"This will also benefit at least 45,000 people who work in Stonnington, 56% of whom use public transport to get to work."

The Mayor says the Melbourne Rail Link, level crossing removals, a South Yarra train station upgrade and bus service reviews are vital projects for those living in or passing through Stonnington.

The Melbourne Rail Link is projected to increase network capacity by 30 per cent, link Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station, and provide twin tunnels from Southern Cross to South Yarra as part of a new Frankston to Lilydale/Belgrave line.

Council supports grade separations, including removal of the level crossing at Kooyong train station on Glenferrie Road, where there is significant vehicle queuing at peak hours when boom gates are lowered.

The City of Stonnington also supports improvements at South Yarra station, which has dangerous overcrowding.

Council is also calling for the 2009 Bus Services Review to be implemented, in order to sufficiently link the fixed rail network with major hubs like Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Easing congestion and increasing connectivity is one of three overarching principles identified in ISMMF's election platform. Promoting '20-minute neighbourhoods' and expanding the city centre are also central campaign pillars based on working towards the core goals set out in Plan Melbourne.

"Our seven councils look forward to discussing our election priorities between now and the November State Election," says Cr Stubbs.

For more information visit City of Stonnington