The free forum, organised by the University’s Centre for the Governance and Management of Urban Transport (GAMUT) in collaboration with the Interface Councils, will explore the key transport issues in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. 

Dr Michael Kennedy OAM, CEO of Mornington Peninsula Shire and GAMUT Chair said ‘the outer suburbs or Interface areas of Melbourne, like outer suburbs elsewhere in Australia, face a unique set of challenges – not only in terms of population but also employment.  Providing adequate transport options for people to access areas of employment, and for that matter, shopping, recreational and other social activities has proved a challenge for governments’. 

The forum will hear from six speakers representing the Department of Transport, Public Transport Users Association, Bus Association of Victoria, Metropolitan Transport Forum, the Planning Institute of Australia and the Monash Sustainability Institute.  These speakers will provide expert opinion on the problems and possible solutions; including the role that urban planning can play.  The forum will then break into discussion groups and reporting back. 

GAMUT Research Associate Anthony Kent says the forum is an opportunity for all transport users in the outer suburbs to have their say on the issues facing their area.  “Not only will they be able to hear from the leading experts and community leaders on this topic but can participate directly, by asking questions from the floor and by engaging in discussion groups following the speakers.”

GAMUT was founded by Volvo Research and Education Foundation (VREF) to research and address governance and management issues in urban transport.  It is one of Australia’s pre-eminent research and advocacy bodies on urban transport issues. 

EVENT DETAILS:
‘Transport disadvantage and social exclusion in Melbourne’s outer suburbs’
Tuesday 11 May – 1pm to 5.15pm. 
Peninsula Community Theatre
Cnr Nepean Highway and Wilsons Road, Mornington
Melways Ref:  Map 145, E2