Western Victoria Region
Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:44): My question, for the Minister for Public and Active Transport, concerns the Moorabool Street bus interchange in Geelong, widely described as unsafe, unattractive and a blight on the city. Online comments show commuters who feel so unsafe at the interchange, others are calling it dirty and dangerous, while pensioners and parents with children describe it as impractical and intimidating. The Geelong Advertiser reports that four in five residents want the interchange moved, despite the local Labor MP’s disappointing, stubborn rejection of the idea. Mayor Stretch Kontelj has put forward a compelling vision, relocating the interchange to the station precinct, supported by a frequent electric shuttle bus loop serving the CBD. This would open Moorabool Street as Geelong’s premier boulevard and could potentially service the waterfront, hospitals and Eastern Beach too. Minister, how will you support this once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise Geelong and back the mayor’s vision?