Gippsland › Latest news › Steph Ryan MP
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.
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
Gippsland High Country Hall of Fame gets $750,000 election pledge to determine its best location and design
Latrobe City celebrates Boorai Country Ceremony as part of Latrobe First 1000 Days Program connecting community and culture
Latrobe Magnesium invests $39M for stage one Magnesium Production Plant in Morwell
Community feedback wanted on Bass Coast Shire Economic Development Framework
Early closure of coal-fired power station AGL Loy Yang requires considered transition for Latrobe Valley and Victoria
Red Rocks Road Footpath upgrade in Cowes underway by Bass Coast Council
Australian Federal Police gets extended power for another 12 months by Federal parliament via Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment
East Gippsland health services to share in $325M Future Health Workforce Plan election pledge from Victorian Liberals and Nationals
Gaskin Park in Churchill gets election pledge of $4M upgrade for sporting hub by Victorian Liberals and Nationals
