Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (14:43): (1520) My question is for the minister for Public and Active Transport. Why can’t students from Mansfield Primary School be accommodated on V/Line services to the city and on to Geelong? Mansfield Primary School has run a successful year 5 outdoor education program, the city to surf camp, for over 10 years. Students would catch the V/Line train from Benalla into the city, then a V/Line coach to Anglesea and back again. This is a big deal and a novelty for country students, who do not get to experience this sort of thing. For the past three years V/Line have stated that they are unable to accommodate the school group due to overcrowding and are no longer taking group bookings for over 10 people. This has caused major issues for students, as they miss out on an experience that gives them confidence, skills and knowledge to use public transport. This year the primary school has been forced to fork out $4000 for two private coaches while increasing camp fees for families from $310 to $440. Staff know this is a major ask for families, particularly after the hardships caused by the recent fires.