Tuesday, 20 June 2023

 Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (13:04): (247) My constituency question is for the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Melton City Council’s award-winning Moving Melton transport prospectus identifies that the Melton bus network is failing the community. Melton is growing rapidly, as are car dependence and congestion. Meanwhile, bus patronage is declining as the service is so poor. Much of the community have no access to bus services. Routes are convoluted and lengthy. Services are infrequent and only 10 per cent of bus routes are meeting minimum service criteria. Lack of access to public transport is bad for health, the environment and the economy, and it compounds inequality. Melton’s bus system needs greater investment, but even a cost-neutral redesign of the existing system would much better meet the needs of the Melton community. Minister, will you ensure an immediate review of the Melton bus network occurs to meet community needs?