Lara electorate
Ella GEORGE (Lara) (14:55): (1287) My question is to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. How does the minister ensure that accessibility is considered when upgrading our public transport system? I know that our government has invested in upgrading bus stops and is working towards ensuring that our public transport network is inclusive and accessible for all Victorians, and the Lara community is excited to see that in this year’s state budget our government has funded a Geelong bus review to look at improvements that are required across the community. Recently I hosted Elizabeth, a work experience student from the fabulous Northern Bay secondary college, and Elizabeth raised with me her concerns in relation to hostile architecture and the impacts that this has on accessibility to public transport. Her concerns included the state of benches at bus stops, many of which are too small to sit on properly, causing people to be half sliding off, and she also shared concerns that many are not equipped to deal with the influx of students and senior Victorians who will take up the government’s free public transport initiatives. I thank Elizabeth for her time with us recently and for her interest in this important topic.