Sticker it to your pollie

By Casey Neill
HILLS residents struggling with poor public transport have all but given up hope of help.
This has been the response to a Mount Evelyn-based campaign to make public transport a key State Government election issue in the lead up to the November polls.
A group of locals and traders, including Morrisons, recently launched bumper stickers with the slogan Public Transport – Make it an Election Issue in an effort to step up the fight for improvements.
Campaign spokeswoman Trish Bellerby said verbal responses to the cause so far had been positive, “but practical responses have been nil”.
“Speaking to the proprietors of the Woori Yallock and Seville post offices who are selling the stickers, the comments have been along the lines of ‘yes public transport throughout these areas is awful but it is no good saying anything because the Government takes no notice. Nothing will improve’,” she said.
But Ms Bellerby urged people to speak up for better public transport.
“If we all do nothing, nothing will change. If we all do something, something might change,” she said. “Remember, democracy is of the people, by the people for the people.
Pollies are our servants, not our masters.” Ms Bellerby said the aim was to have more than 1.5 million bumper stickers, selling for 20 cents, on cars across the state.
All Victorian neighbourhood houses and community living and learning centres have been asked for their support in the campaign by buying and distributing bumper stickers.
She said more needed to be done to get cars off the roads, that public transport was vital for many people to able to get around, and better bus and train connections were needed.
“We need the Government to give a greater slice of the budget pie to transport,” she said. “So, if you really do want better public transport, post your opinions, suggestions, and comments on our website at www.mt-evelyn.net.”
The group will collate the information and forward it to the appropriate government departments.
“Have your say, make your voice heard, let our cars with a sticker send a message to all the would-be politicians in these two coming elections,” she said.
The Mail contacted the State Government but did not receive a response before going to print.