The Victorian Budget – Bits and Bobs, but more to be done
MEDIA RELEASE – 5 May 2026
The Victorian Government’s 2026/27 state budget has some good news, but plenty more needs to be done according to an advocacy group for public transport in Melbourne’s east.
Cr Mitch Mazzarella, Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) has acknowledged the budget’s modest new investment in bus and rail services.
“The ETC has been campaigning for increased service levels on our rail lines, and the funding for extra evening services on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines is welcome,” Cr Mazzarella said.
“This highlights once again however that full duplication of both these rail lines is necessary to unlock real increases in service levels. We want to see this as a priority infrastructure commitment from all political parties”, he said.
“This budget suggests the Government is at last recognising the need for investment in new and upgraded bus routes.”
“We are pleased to see funding for new bus services in the Dandenong region, but plenty more remains to be done.
Active transport – for both cyclists and walkers – is as key component of the transport infrastructure mix.
Cr Mazzarella said that Councils across the east have done a great deal of work to highlight the potential for upgraded cycling and pedestrian paths and crossings.
“This is an issue where the State Government needs to do more, to connect our communities and realise the health, safety, economic and precinct activating benefits that active transport investments can bring,” Cr Mazzarella said.
“The ETC will continue to campaign for further investment in infrastructure, service levels, safety and amenity across all modes of public and active transport in the lead up to the 2026 State Election.”