Public transport key issue for Monbulk electorate

PUBLIC transport is the key issue in the Monbulk electorate, according to the nine candidates in the race to claim the seat.

Public transport has been identified as the key issue for the Monbulk electorate.

PUBLIC transport is the key issue in the Monbulk electorate, according to the nine candidates in the race to claim the seat.

The electorate, which covers the hills and expands to Kilsyth, Mooroolbark, Lilydale and Montrose, is one of the most highly contested in Victoria, with the Labor Party holding on by the skin of its teeth and a 1.1 per cent margin at the last election.

Monbulk state Labor MP James Merlino said fighting for the opening of Swinburne TAFE in Lilydale was not only a key election issue, but one of his biggest battles since he started in Parliament 12 years ago.

“I think when you think about state government, the critical thing is about services to people,” Mr Merlino said.

“This election is about jobs, it’s about health and it’s about education, and our platform of local commitments.”

“This election is about jobs, it’s about health and it’s about education, and our platform of local commitments.” - Monbulk state Labor MP James Merlino.

He said if elected, a Labor government would open Swinburne Lilydale, a brand new ICU at the Angliss Hospital, a new breast screen centre at Maroondah Hospital, and invest in local schools including Monbulk College and Mooroolbark East Primary School.

“We’re making commitments about things that matter for people: jobs, health and education,” he said.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE KEY ISSUE FOR MONBULK? TELL US IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW.

Mr Merlino said he would also push for better, more efficient train networks.

Liberal candidate Mark Verschuur said more frequent bus services in the hills would improve the locals’ ability to move around between suburbs.

“The other area is safety, and travelling on public transport, and we’ve been able to introduce PSOs to the stations in the electorate,” Mr Verschuur said.

Mr Verschuur also said the hills would benefit from larger businesses that had the capacity to employ more people.

Greens candidate Mike Clarke said he would push to fix Upwey train station, if he were elected.

Monbulk also attracted candidates from Rise Up Australia, Family First, Animal Justice Party, Australian Country Alliance, Democratic Labor Party and a 22-year-old independent.