Residents in three small towns in Victoria’s south west will have better access to services and other communities, thanks to a new Transport Connections bus service funded by the Brumby Government.
In a 12-month trial launched today, the new service will operate between Portland and Mount Gambier every Monday and Friday, stopping at Gorae West, Mount Richmond and Nelson along the way.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP said accessible transport was vital to everyday life in regional Victoria and was often the very fabric of enhancing community connectedness.
“The Brumby Government is taking action now to improve access to public transport to communities across Victoria,” Ms Tierney said.
“The new bus service will make it easier for people to travel to Portland and Mount Gambier for shopping, business and medical appointments, and provide access to the Melbourne-bound V-Line train services and Adelaide-bound coach services.
“There has also been some interest from tourists in the service, which is always a good thing for the local economy.”
The route being trialled was determined by residents, as part of the South West Transport Connections project, managed by the Western District Health Service with funding from the Brumby Government.
Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said the Brumby Government invested $349,000 in the South West Transport Connections Project with funding made available through the $4 billion social action plan, A Fairer Victoria, which aimed to reduce disadvantage and create opportunity in Victoria.
“Through Transport Connections, the Brumby Government is helping communities improve local transport options by making better use of existing assets and services,” Mr Batchelor said.
“The school bus commissioned for the trial is usually not used during the day by Portland Transit, so they have agreed to make it available for community use.
“This is a great example of the Brumby Government working with the Glenelg Shire, local business, and residents to plan and deliver local solutions that improve transport in their community.
“I’d like to especially thank the residents of Nelson, Gorae West and Mount Richmond – it’s their hard work which led to the introduction of this trial service.”
For more information about the South West Transport Connections project contact, Briana PickenTransport Connections Coordinator on (03) 5551 8549.