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101 Reasons Why Labor Should Back Down From Rail ChangesLocal MP Russell Northe has tabled another 101 signatures in Parliament this week, calling for the retention of rail services from the Latrobe Valley to Southern Cross Station. By Russell Northe - 11th September 2009 - Back to News The petitioners join another 857 signatories whose objections to the Brumby Government’s plan have been formally presented to Parliament.
"Today marks exactly three months since I called on Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky to guarantee local rail patrons full passage through to Southern Cross Station in the chamber," Mr Northe said.
"In addition, I have raised the matter in a one-on-one conversation with the Minister and in formal written representation in June, yet Ms Kosky has failed to provide either a guarantee or details of the changes she will force upon our community.
"Again we see a media release from the Brumby Labor Government this week, crowing about a $38billion Victorian Transport Plan. $38 billion to fix a system they have neglected for 10 years and all that is proposed for the Latrobe Valley is a reduction in services.
"No wonder locals think the VTP, much like the Brumby Government, is a joke," he said.
"The Minister’s plan to disadvantage regional constituents in order to shore up Labor votes in Melbourne clearly demonstrates the Brumby Government’s contempt for country Victoria.
"The 958 petitioners to date have a simple message for this government – not good enough."
Mr Northe will continue tabling the petitions in Parliament as they are returned to his office and said he will now re-write to the Minister weekly until she responds to community concerns.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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