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Free public transport to revive Melbourne CBD from December to January 2022 says Property Council of Australia

Property Council of Australia joined the call for free public transport to drive the city's revitalisation.

By news@gippsland - 12th November 2021 - Back to News

As office occupancy rates hover around four per cent, the Property Council of Australia has today joined the call for free public transport to drive the city's revitalisation.Travel on trains, trams and buses from anywhere in the state into the Melbourne CBD should be free in December and January, as part of the Victorian Liberal and Nationals' plan to boost spending.

Free public transport for three months and $50 million for a revitalisation fund have been suggested in a bid to bring people back into Melbourne's CBD

Crucial for the recovery

But in a blow to our state's social and economic recovery, the Andrews Labor Government is reportedly planning to wait until the end of January 2022 to have public servants back in the office at least three days a week. Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Public Transport Steph Ryan said the next few months will be crucial for Victoria's recovery. "The Melbourne CBD is usually bustling with Christmas shoppers this time of year and family and friends catching up after two long years in and out of Labor's lockdowns."

"Making public transport free over Christmas means more money for Victorians to spend at local retail stores or dining out with friends, directly supporting local jobs and contributing to rebooting our state's economy. This measure will save some regional Victorians more than $90 a day - it's exactly the early Christmas present we need after lockdowns that have had a devastating mental, social and financial toll." Ms Ryan said.

Support for Victoria's recovery

Free public transport is one part of the Liberal and Nationals' plan to support Victoria's recovery, adding to other measures including $10 'On the House' drink vouchers to be made available to all Victorians. Ms Ryan is also calling for a sign-on bonus of up to $1000 for new workers in hospitality and accommodation to fix worsening staff shortages that are currently forcing many venues to cut back opening hours.

"Labor's lockdowns have ripped out Melbourne's heart and we need positive, proactive ideas to bring back vibrancy as Victoria reopens, rebuilds and recovers. The Andrews Labor Government must now adopt measures like this that will help our state recover." Ms Ryan said.

Pictures from Public Transport Victoria Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Wellington Shire dog attacks decline, but council urges owners to secure pets and practise responsible dog ownership
  Wellington Shire recorded 64 dog attack reports over the past year, down from 93. Council urges owners to secure dogs, supervise children and practise responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents.
• Darren Chester says growers and industry groups are concerned Labor's visa processing pause is creating uncertainty for farmers
  Australian farmers warn delayed visa processing for seasonal and skilled workers could worsen labour shortages, disrupt harvests, reduce food production and push fresh produce prices higher for Australian families.
• Matt Canavan slams Farrell's EU trade deal as farmers face unfair competition and restricted market access
  Matt Canavan criticised Labor's EU free trade deal, accusing it of disadvantageous to Australian farmers through quotas, tariffs, subsidies and inadequate market access, while urging renegotiation.
• Danny O'Brien says bushfire inquiry exposes Labor neglect, leaving CFA volunteers under-resourced for escalating firefighting challenges
  Danny O'Brien says a parliamentary bushfire inquiry confirms CFA volunteers face declining numbers, ageing equipment and inadequate support, urging Labor to implement recommendations before the next fire season.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
  Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs.
• Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and State MPs to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia’s school lunch program
  Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and MPs Marty Cameron and Melina Bath to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia, providing free school lunches to disadvantaged children across Gippsland.
• Macalister Irrigation District schedules submerged weed treatments for November and December to improve channel capacity and water delivery
  Macalister Irrigation District will treat submerged weeds in irrigation channels during November and December 2026, improving water delivery. Customers must avoid treated water for 72 hours after treatment.
• Melina Bath announces $53.6M boost to patient travel assistance for regional Victorians under Nationals-Liberal government
  Melina Bath says a proposed $53.6 million boost to Victoria’s patient transport assistance would increase accommodation and travel reimbursements, easing healthcare costs for regional patients travelling long distances for specialist treatment.
• Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
  Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation.
• Labor's trade record faces $46B deterioration as fuel dependence leaves Australia increasingly vulnerable to global disruptions
  Australia’s trade position has deteriorated nearly $47 billion since 2022, with a $5.1 billion deficit. Fuel imports surged 42.5 per cent, exposing Australia’s growing dependence on overseas fuel supplies and refining.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.