Last week, the ETC launched its 'monster petition' at Monash University.

ETC chairwoman and councillor Samantha Dunn said the coalition was disappointed with the Government's Victorian Transport Plan, released in December, which made no reference to the State Government's 1999 pledge of a Rowville Rail feasibility study.

The ETC monster petition urges the Government to make good on its public transport promises including a full feasibility study into heavy rail lines to Rowville and Doncaster.

The coalition also wants an extension of the metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield and an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley railway lines.

On July 21, The Age reported the Rowville rail projected had been rejected by the Government during preparations for its transport plan. Documents obtained by The Age through a freedom of information request showed the project was off the Government's agenda until at least 2017.

Cr Dunn hoped the petition would put Rowville Rail "right back on the Government's agenda".

"The whole point of the monster petition is to get as many signatures as possible to the point that the Government cannot ignore the groundswell of people wanting better public transport in the east."

While other delegates of the ETC, including mayors of the seven eastern suburbs councils the group represents, were all vocal in their support of Rowville Rail, Monash Council was again hesitant to show support for the project.

Asked if Monash Council wanted a Rowville Rail feasibility study, deputy mayor Charlotte Baines said: "I'd like to see research into ways that we can improve public transport in our city."