Today at 4:30pm Greens Senator Bob Brown and Aston candidate Mick Kir conducted a public awareness exercise outside one of the few train stations in the federal seat of Aston.



Describing the electorate as a 'Public transport desert', Senator Brown called for the $440 million already committed to the Scoresby Freeway to be redirected towards socially and environmentally responsible works including:



* Extending the train line to Rowville via Monash University,



* A tram running down the Burwood Hwy via Knox City and Ferntree Gully,



* More frequent services and staffed stations on the Belgrave line,



* Frequent buses that connect with train services and run direct routes up until midnight, and



* Desperately needed upgrades of existing roads including the widening of Stud Rd and improvements to make intersections safer.



On the subject of preferences, Senator Brown said the Greens are currently handing out a split ticket and the pressure is on both parties to make a commitment on Kyoto, removing burning of woodchips from the Renewables Bill and Public Transport.



"Time is running short and these issues are of local, national and international importance. It is time for the major parties to throw off their history and take a first step towards protecting our children's futures", said Senator Brown



"All of these major projects are possible without needing the extra $540 million that is needed to complete Scoresby. Even if this Freeway was possible it is not the answer to this community's problems. By ignoring these options and following their own agenda Labor and Liberal will not help the people of Aston," Greens candidate for Aston, Mick Kir added.