Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing is encouraging people in South Gippsland to have their say on public transport in the region.

Representatives from Public Transport Victoria, V/Line and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources will be in Leongatha next week to hear from locals about how they use trains, bus and coach services and how those services can be improved.

A local listening post will be held at the South Gippsland Shire Council Chambers on Thursday 22 October from 5:30pm to 7:00pm to hear about people’s travel needs and priorities.

There’s no need to register – interested locals can drop in anytime to talk with planning staff and share their views about public transport.

The session follows a workshop held in July as part community consultation for the Andrews Labor Government’s Regional Network Development Plan – Victoria’s first short, medium and long term strategy for regional public transport.

More than 1,400 community members and stakeholders attended nearly 40 workshops across the state to have their say on the future of public transport in regional Victoria.

The Government also received more than 1,700 surveys, 670 comments through online discussion forums and 100 submissions, resulting in more than 15,000 pieces of individual feedback.

For more information, visit ptv.vic.gov.au or call Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP

“The Andrews Labor Government is hearing first hand from Gippsland communities about what they want and need from public transport services now and into the future.”

“Many locals took part in the recent Regional Network Development Plan workshops in Gippsland, and next week’s forum offers people another opportunity to contribute their views.”

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of public transport in Leongatha and the surrounding areas to get along and have their say.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is listening to passengers and communities across Victoria, and will deliver the state’s first short, medium and long term strategy for better regional public transport.”