Metropolitan Transport Forum at Northcote Town Hall gives residents chance to grill state election candidates

IF PUBLIC transport and the state of our roads bothers you, don’t miss Darebin’s Metropolitan Transport Forum.

The Chandler Highway was nominated one of Melbourne's worst traffic red spots. Picture: News Limited

IF PUBLIC transport and the state of our roads bothers you, then Darebin’s Metropolitan Transport Forum is the place for you to air your concerns.

Darebin Council will host a public meeting to discuss public transport, bicycles, pedestrian safety and more with major party candidates for the seat of Northcote in November’s state election.

The town hall event will give residents the chance to quiz Northcote state Labor MP Fiona Richardson, Greens candidate for Northcote Trent McCarthy and a yet to be confirmed Liberal Party spokesperson.

Northcote High School, Labor has pledged $3million towards the school's futuristic master plan. The school is planning a campus-style layout including a new performing arts hub. Northcote State Labor MP Fiona Richardson and principal Kate Morris inspect the school

Cr Trent McCarthy pictured with 100?? Northcote residents to celebrate the city of Northcote's hundredth anniversary next week. The group are gathered at the commemorative drinking fountain on the corner of Union and High street. Cr Trent McCarthy sitting in front of the drinking fountain. Picture: Sarah Matray

The future of Darebin’s many level crossings, the duplication of Chandler Highway, pedestrian safety and bike lane upgrades are some of the issues expected to dominate debate.

Darebin Mayor Gaetano Greco, who will chair the event, encouraged residents to seize the chance to find out where the major parties stood on the state’s “top election issue”. “There’s a clear difference between the government policy and what Labor and Greens are offering. Each of them are on different tracks in terms of transport,” the Labor councillor said.

Forum organiser Tom Melican said the public was very keen for more investment in transport.

“We’ve organised the forums to bring candidates face-to-face with voters to discuss transport issues,” he said. “ If you are concerned about transport, come along and ask a question or two.”

The Darebin Metropolitan Transport Forum is on at the Northcote Town Hall from
7-8.15pm on Tuesday, September 9.

To register your attendance or suggest a question, visit the website.