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
Latest News
Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes Victorian government grants aiding Noojee transition from timber harvestingDarren Chester calls for stop to rural health merger citing risks to Gippsland services due to lack of consultation, secrecy and autonomy loss
Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
Baw Baw Shire Council continues advocacy for key unfunded projects despite limited aid from 2024/25 Victorian State Budget
APS Drainage and Civil selected for culvert relining on Loch-Kernot Road in Bass Coast Shire from 13 May 2024 with $750,000 budget
Inspections identify maintenance needs for Cypress trees in San Remo as part of pioneering Bass Coast Urban Forest Strategy
Feedback wanted on draft Master Plan for Alex Goudie Native Park in Drouin by 2 June 2024
Victorian government budget supports safer regional roads with $11.5M for Princes Highway East and $10.7M for Sale Alternative Truck Route upgrades