One year down the track ten Waratah Bay students are still waiting to access their promised school bus transfer service.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said “Frustratingly, this project is caught up in Labor’s bureaucratic red tape once again, despite the hard work and cooperation by families, Foster Secondary College and two bus companies.
“It is disappointing we now nearing the end of term 1 and parents are still forced to drive students five kilometres to the top road just to catch a school bus,” said Ms Bath.
“It is unacceptable, and the State Government must stop dragging its feet on the issue.”
During State Parliament this week, Ms Bath called on Labor’s Education Minister James Merlino to sort it out.
Ms Bath said the Waratah students and families have had enough and just want their new school bus service implemented.
“All parties have been working to make this bus transfer arrangement happen,” said Ms Bath.
“If we can put a man on the moon, surely Minister Merlino can sign off on the agreement so these 10 secondary school students can access their Waratah Bay bus transfer and travel to Foster Secondary College.
“Minister Merlino must provide a commitment as soon as possible to allow the bus route to occur and support these families.
“Families feel as though the Waratah school bus saga has dragged on for years and it is completely unacceptable that Labor did not ensure the service up and running for the beginning of the 2020 school year.
“Rural and regional children have the right to readily access education despite where they live.
“Instead of bungling the school bus service, Labor must open the gateway so Waratah Bay students can travel to school with ease and support their families in the process.”
