Media Releases

Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell said safety and amenity at the Fryers St taxi rank will be boosted through a $66,581 State Government grant, announced today by Public Transport Minister, Terry Mulder.

The funding was awarded to Greater Shepparton City Council and will go towards the construction of a new weather-proof shelter at the site with seating, more prominent signage, improved lighting and access to taxis. The rank, situated at the western end of Fryers St near the war memorial, will also be shifted forward to avoid the existing Powercor structures and ensure better visibility from Wyndham St.

Mrs Powell said this is a big win for safer late-night travel in Shepparton.

“This funding will provide a safer environment for passengers waiting for a taxi and for taxi drivers waiting for passengers,” Mrs Powell said.

“CCTV will also be installed to deter anti-social and violent behaviour and ensure that anyone who takes part in such behaviour is held accountable for their actions.

“Fryers St is a very busy rank, particularly on weekends when the hotels and clubs in the city centre close and the improved taxi rank will help late night patrons get to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible.”

Minister Mulder said the Taxi Rank Safety Program (TRSP) is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment building better taxi services for passengers, taxi drivers and the local community.

“Under the program, councils can apply for grants to improve safety through such works as the installation of CCTV systems, upgraded lighting or the provision of shelters and seating,” Minister Mulder said.

“This round an extra $840,000 has been allocated across 13 municipalities.

"So far it has allocated over $1.5 million to councils across the state and is making real improvements to taxi rank safety and amenity all over Victoria,” Minister Mr Mulder said.

The Taxi Rank Safety Program is administered by the Victorian Taxi Directorate.

For more information and a full list of recipients, visit www.taxi.vic.gov.au.

TIME LEFT FOR TAXI INDUSTRY INQUIRY SUBMISSIONS

Shepparton residents still have time to make a submission to the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell said today.

Mrs Powell received a letter from the Chair of the Taxi Industry Inquiry stating that although the date for submissions was due to close June 24th, they would welcome submissions after this date.

“My office in Shepparton has received several inquiries from members of the public and taxi drivers relating to various aspects of the taxi industry,” Mrs Powell said.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to have their say on local taxi services, the structure of the industry or any other relevant matter to make a submission to the inquiry.”

Mrs Powell said the letter from the Inquiry Chair stated those conducting the inquiry would ask people to submit ideas on how to improve taxi services, attend meetings and conferences to hear a broad range of views and visit regional areas to hear people’s views.

The inquiry is expected to take 12 months to complete.

A submission can be made by emailing taxiindustry@transport.vic.gov.au or mailing the Taxi Industry Inquiry at GPO Box 2797, Melbourne, VIC, 3001.

People with a disability are being treated in an appalling and uncaring way in Shepparton, Nationals Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell told Parliament today.
In a Member’s Statement to the Legislative Assembly, Mrs Powell brought the lack of access to Multipurpose Taxis (MPTS) to the attention of the Minister for Public Transport.
Mrs Powell said Mr Rick Madgewick of Greater Shepparton Taxis told her he had submitted an application to the Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) in November last year for a multi purpose vehicle to cater for people with a disability.
“Mr Madgewick and his barrister continually contacted the VTD for an answer but to no avail,” Mrs Powell said.
“In a ludicrous situation, at a meeting with the VTD on 31st May, Mr Madgewick was told to put in another application, even though they hadn’t responded to his first one.
“In January I wrote in support of an extra licence for a Wheel Chair Accessible Multi Purpose Taxi to service the district.
“Shepparton is one of the fastest growing regional centres, with a population over 60,000, yet there are only two MPTs in the area and they are owned by another taxi network.
“Compare that with Wangaratta which has four MPTs and a much smaller population to service.
“Aged care facilities, a school for students with a disability and service providers have advised me of the need for more MPTs in the Shepparton district.
“It is outrageous that people with a disability in the Shepparton district are being ignored and denied independence by the VTD.”
Mrs Powell said this was evidenced this week when Mr Terry Duffy called in to her office to complain about the limited number of MPTs in Shepparton.
“He is 74 years of age and uses a motorised scooter to get around as he suffers from severe arthritis and breathing difficulties,” Mrs Powell said.
“Twice a week he attends GV Health for treatment and then is forced to wait for two hours after his treatment as his scooter only fits in one of the two MPTs.
“He recently phoned the VTD to voice concern at the lack of MPTs and it was suggested he get a smaller scooter!
“This is an outrageous situation and I called on the Minister to increase the number of MPTs in Shepparton to allow people with a disability to be engaged in the community,” Mrs Powell said.