Western Victoria Region
Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (12:39): (133) My question is to the minister for transport. Ballarat residents have long called for a review of the bus network. A 2018 Public Transport Users Association report identified problems like infrequent and unreliable services, lack of coordination with V/Line timetables, very limited hours of operation and no cross-town services. For example, a 15-minute car trip or 25-minute bike ride from Delacombe town centre to Stockland Wendouree takes 1 hour and 7 minutes on a bus. Lack of adequate public transport compounds inequality and entrenches car dependence for residents of Ballarat and surrounding rural towns. Lack of action from the state government has led Ballarat City Council to undertake their own project to advocate for a better bus network that actually meets local needs. My question to the minister is: will you undertake an immediate review of the Ballarat bus network and ensure that local community needs are actually met?