Mr Pallas said the Gippsland Transport Forum was a chance for the Brumby Government to hear views on Victoria’s transport network to assist in the development of a comprehensive transport plan later this year.

“The Government is working on a plan to build a better transport system for Victoria and it is important to hear from regional experts before making any key decisions,” Mr Pallas said.

“We have heard from a range of local people today including representatives from Local Government, community services and transport operators.

“We’ve seen enthusiastic contributions from all those involved about their needs for the future of our transport network.”

Mr Pallas said the event allowed participants to discuss Victoria’s transport challenges and hear an outline on the Government’s current planning processes.

“The transport plan we will deliver by the end of the year will help drive our economy, make our communities more liveable and our State more sustainable,” Mr Pallas said.

“The ideas and issues raised from today’s discussions will provide valuable input to the plan which will also incorporate feedback from the 2200 submissions received on Sir Rod Eddington’s East West Link Needs Assessment report Investing in Transport.

“We also held a public consultation process through which we received over 2200 submissions.

“We want to ensure that everyone can be involved in helping to shape Victoria’s future transport network.”

The Gippsland Forum was the first of four regional and four metropolitan round table discussions being held ahead of a summit to be chaired by the Premier in September.