Last week, Cr Cossari told the Journal a revitalised Knox Central with new residential and commercial opportunities was the municipality's best chance of improving public transport, and may convince the State Government to extend the Burwood Highway tram to Knox City shopping centre.

"We've got to be realistic. There's huge growth in the western suburbs, and for heavy rail [in Rowville], we may have missed the boat. That's why I'm pushing for something [the Knox tram] here," he said.

Knox councillors Mick Van de Vreede and Darren Pearce, whose wards cover Rowville, have been critical of Cr Cossari's comments.

Cr Van de Vreede said the mayor's opinion was not the council's official position.

"It is disappointing that Cr Cossari is talking the Rowville rail down, when the community expects him to be talking it up.

"The mayor's words would appear to undermine what the council is trying to achieve."

Cr Van de Vreede said the council's view was that "Rowville rail is utterly and absolutely necessary". "We will continue to advocate vigorously for it, as we will the Knox tram."

Cr Pearce said he was "a bit astounded" by Cr Cossari's comments. "It won't hurt [our advocacy of Rowville rail], but it sends a conflicting message, and we need to avoid that."

Eastern Transport Coalition chairwoman Samantha Dunn said it was "probably important that we sit down with Cr Cossari and have a conversation about the strategic direction of the ETC".

However, Cr Cossari said his comments were not contrary to the council's position. "We're still advocating for it [Rowville rail].

"Perhaps the State Government has neglected us. How long can you lobby until you get the Government to listen?"

Government spokesman Chris Owner said there was no proposal at this stage to extend the Vermont South tram to Knox.

The Government had "consistently stated that a rail extension to Rowville will not be considered until the success of the SmartBus program can be properly evaluated".

Knox Environment Society president Darren Wallace said Cr Cossari was "way out of line". "Any position other than vigorous support is unhelpful."