The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath has tabled a petition with over 400 signatures in parliament, calling on the Andrews Labor Government to reinstate a direct bus service to Federation Training’s Yallourn campus.
Until the start of 2017, the Route 1 bus to and from Traralgon and Morwell to Moe travelled via the Federation Training campus at Yallourn. This direct service was then axed.
Speaking after tabling the petition last week, Ms Bath said the government must act to support student access to education.
“The change to the bus service has made access to the Federation Training Yallourn campus far more difficult for those who rely on public transport,” Ms Bath said.
“There is widespread concern across the community about this.”
“In a few short months over the summer period, 401 people have signed the petition calling on the government to reinstate the direct bus service.”
“The cooler weather isn’t that far off. With the current service, it’s a 15 or 45 minute wait at the connecting bus stop in Moe, or a 3 kilometre walk.”
“We have the situation where students are arriving late to some classes and/or having to leave early to make bus connections.”
“The petition requests that the Andrews Labor Government reinstate the direct bus service to give Federation Training students at Yallourn equitable access.”
Moe business owner Sue Broadbent is amongst the petition signatories.
“Good public transport access is very important for students,” Ms Broadbent said.
“For many, driving isn’t an available alternative. Changing this bus service has made it far more difficult for students to access the Yallourn campus.”
Now tabled in parliament, the petition will be forwarded to the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan.
“The Minister must listen to the legitimate concerns of the community and reverse the decision to axe the Yallourn campus bus,” Ms Bath concluded.
