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PT group meets

Queensland’s new public transport advisory group has been appointed and met with the Minister, getting a grasp of current transport plans

June 2, 2011

Ten Queensland commuters have been appointed champions of public transport and will represent their communities on the Queensland Government’s newly formed Public Transport Advisory Group.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk says the ‘champions’ were chosen by her department from more than 110 applicants.

“These are people who responded to my call to get involved and have their say on public transport across South East Queensland,” Palaszczuk says.

“The group will regularly join me, as chair, and representatives of government, community groups and business, to discuss options to address significant issues for public transport users.”

Palaszczuk says the successful applicants were chosen according to selection criteria to ensure a fair and balanced community representation.

“It’s an exciting time for public transport in South East Queensland,” she says.

“We have some of the biggest transport projects in Australia underway including the extension of the rail line to Springfield and the Eastern and Northern Busway projects.

“I’m confident this new advisory is passionate about public transport and together we can focus on providing better and easily accessible services for commuters.”

The group met for the first time on June 2, receiving a briefing on the introduction of new rail and bus timetables for the Ipswich and Caboolture lines starting on Monday 6 June which adds an additional 150,000 seats per week to the network with more frequent services.

Brisbane’s busways and focus on customer service received endorsement from the group at the meeting.

Palaszczuk thanked all participants for expressing interest in participating in the group.

Further meetings of the advisory group will be held every two months with the next meeting to be held in August.

The inaugural Public Transport Advisory Group members are:

– Michaela Van Balveren, Brisbane East Region, Murrarie Progress Association

– Donald Campbell, Brisbane North Region, CBD Bicycle Users Group

– Wilson Lowe, Brisbane West Region

– Steven Jamieson, Gold Coast Region

– Steven Lucas, Ipswich Region

– Luke Moore, Logan Region, Griffith University

– Benjamin Murphy, Moreton Bay Region

– Peter Black, Redland Region, Queensland Blind Association

– Natasha Hart, Sunshine Coast Region, Nambour Safe

– Steve Bowen, Brisbane City Council South

In addition to those selected on the Advisory Group, industry and government representatives include the Department of Transport and Main Roads, TransLink,

Queensland Rail, Virgin Australia, Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Rail Back on Track, Queensland Council of Social Service Inc, Disabilities Council Queensland,

Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, Council on the Ageing, Older People Speak Out, Carers Queensland, Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Association Inc, and the Returned and Services League of Australia.

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