MOST politicians representing Melbourne's west have no plans to consult with residents again on the State Government's comprehensive transport plan before its release later this year.
After Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky held a widely criticised, invitation-only forum in Footscray on the issue earlier this month, she promised there would be other opportunities for residents to have their say.
"I'm pleased that many members of Parliament will conduct their own round-table discussions in late August to hear views from the broader community," Ms Kosky said in a statement.
Derrimut MP Telmo Languiller, who heads off to Canada next week, will not be holding any such consultation.
Mr Languiller has come under fire from residents at public meetings for his inaction in response to the Eddington report, particularly the proposed east-west road project that could plough through homes and open space in his electorate.
Sunshine residents have held two public meetings since July. Mr Languiller was invited to both, but did not attend either. One was held at the Glengala Community Centre, across the road from his electorate office.
Mr Languiller did not respond to emails or phone calls last week, but a member of his staff said he wouldn't be holding any consultations on the Eddington plans. Mr Languiller did not make a submission to the report.
Footscray MP Marsha Thomson and Williamstown MP Wade Noonan believe sufficient consultation has taken place at this stage of the process.
They told the Advocate they had letterboxed 30,000 households in the inner west outlining the main points of the 300-page Eddington report, had held a stakeholder forum, met with councillors and encouraged resident submissions through 'letters to the editor'.
"We didn't get a huge response, but I wasn't expecting one," Ms Thomson said. Both said there had been a scare campaign surrounding the possible acquisition of homes to make way for a new east-west road.
"The Eddington report hasn't indicated how many houses may be affected, or what streets. It's jumping the gun and unnecessarily scaring people to be saying those sorts of things," Mr Noonan said.
Ms Thomson said she expected people would be further consulted if and when the Government decided another east-west road was needed.
"This is the beginning. I don't think this is the end of the consultation process - this is an end of the first phase of consultation."
Upper house Greens MP Colleen Hartland has planned another two information nights on the Eddington report.
"I wouldn't have to do this if there was reasonable information given to the community ... people are worried and the worry comes from not knowing.
"I do wish [the Government would] give people the information they need, put out some decent maps, so I wouldn't have to do their job for them."
Ms Hartland's meeting will be held at 7.30pm next Monday at the South Kingsville Community Centre, 43 Paxton Street. The other will be held on September 18 in the Deer Park/Caroline Springs area at a venue to be confirmed. Details: 9689 6373 or colleen.hartland@parliament.vic.gov.au