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Northe Calls For Nightrider Talks With Transport Minister

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The Nationals’ Member for Morwell Russell Northe has called for an urgent meeting between the Brumby Government and Traralgon CBD Safety Committee members following the expiration of a successful NightRider trial period, funded by the TAC.

By Russell Northe - 6th July 2009 - Back to News

Whilst interim funding has been sourced enabling the NightRider to run temporarily through to August, Mr Northe, Latrobe City Council and the committee continue to push for government funds to establish an ongoing service.

The Morwell MP has appealed to Victorian Transport Minister Lynne Kosky to take a personal interest in the matter and meet with committee members to talk about the many benefits of a NightRider service in the Latrobe region.

"Committee members feel a face to face discussion would provide the Minister with a greater understanding of the mechanisms and benefits the NightRider provides to the community," Mr Northe explained.

"I have spoken in Parliament and written to Minister Kosky on numerous occasions seeking financial support for a local NightRider program.

"Whilst I have not received a response to my most recent representations, I was extremely disappointed to read a statement from Minister Kosky’s office to local media last month, claiming her department does not fund ‘those types of services.’

"This is completely untruthful as the Brumby government committed $2.8million to NightRider services in metropolitan areas last financial year and looks to have allocated the same amount to the program in 2009/10."

Mr Northe said the Latrobe community had every right to expect the Brumby government afford them the same opportunities as Melbournians.

"The local trial has proven successful and government funding for metro services has set a precedent so we believe there is a strong case for support of the CBD safety committee’s initiative" he said.

"If the Brumby government doesn’t hop on board soon, it’s likely the valley’s NightRider service will come to a screaming halt."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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