DANDENONG
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 12 December, 2023
/DandenongJournal
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Horror factory fire
Joy of the season Mercy Place Dandenong residents including Margret Lee (as Saint Joseph) and Marie Jasmin (as Mother Mary with baby Jesus) performed their own nativity play for friends and family on 7 December. The play was written by one of the aged-care home’s residents. For more on the story, turn to page 4 Saint Joseph (Margret Lee) and Mother Mary (Marie ‘Mimine’ Jasmin) with baby Jesus. 377195 Picture: GARY SISSONS
Bus blackspots Commuter groups are calling for fixes to bus blackspots in Chadstone, Keysborough, Dandenong South and Endeavour Hills on the back of a research report released last week. Infrastructure Victoria’s report calls for faster and more frequent services with longer hours and better links to major centres and train stations. It would cut road congestion and emissions and improve social equity, IV argues. “The bus network has not kept up with the changes across Melbourne’s suburban activity centres such as extended retail operating hours and more compact housing and mixed-
use developments.” Among the recommendations are: More direct links between Endeavour Hills and other activity centres. More weekend services for the route 800 between Dandenong and Chadstone – one of Melbourne’s busiest bus routes but with no Sunday services. Buses into Dandenong South’s job-rich precinct, including links to Casey-Cardinia growth corridor and Keysborough. The report modelled 10 new Bus Rapid transport corridors, such as Dandenong South-Ringwood and Endeavour Hills-Southland.
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For an estimated $4 billion capital cost, Bus Rapid would provide $2.60 in benefits for every dollar – including shorter travel times, health benefits and less need to purchase cars. It would also “significantly expand access” to industrial areas like Dandenong South, and provide more jobs within 45 minutes for residents in Keysborough, Lyndhurst and Dingley. The report also modelled tripling bus service hours, particularly to Dandenong South, Keysborough, Casey-Cardinia growth area estates and train lines. According to the report, it would lead to 40 per cent more bus boardings in Casey and 150 per cent more in Cardinia. Cheaper bus fares was also flagged – with a
19 per cent rise in boardings per $1 fare reduction. Public Transport Users Association spokesperson Daniel Bowen said Melbourne’s South East was in “dire need” of better public transport options. “For some journeys the train can be used, but for many people who live too far from a station, or are making trips not served by rail, the only current option is to drive. “A shake-up of routes, and more services, not just on weekdays but also on weekends, would help provide people with more options.” Continued page 5
Give the Gift of Live Theatre Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat Coal Miner’s Daughter The Songs of Countdown Wingspan, Celebrating the Songs of Paul McCartney Celtic Illusion Gift vouchers and more stage magic in 2024... Phone Box Office, 03 8571 1666 drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells