The Andrews Labor Government has invested $350,000 in six new initiatives to improve local transport access for Victorians living in regional areas.
The Government will invest $200,000 in three new buses at Pyramid Hill, Leongatha and Mirboo North to support local community access to transport operations.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan told the Community Transport Roundtable in Bendigo that an additional $150,000 investment would include $50,000 to improve transport access to the Art Gallery of Ballarat for up to 2,000 students from 40 schools in and around Western Victoria, $50,000 for an East Gippsland Community Transport Directory and Audit, and $50,000 to trial a mobile phone application to view service details in real-time.
The investment in buses will allow the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation to replace their 17-year-old bus which services Mirboo North and surrounding areas and improve access to schools, seniors' groups and social groups. Leongatha Community House will receive a new 12-seater bus to help boost travel options in and around the community.
The Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood house will establish a community transport service for Pyramid Hill after a new vehicle will allow community members access to medical and other essential appointments - the closest currently a nearly 80km return trip.
The up to $350,000 in funding is part of the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program (FLTSP), which provides funding for local transport initiatives, services and infrastructure, particularly in regional Victoria. The FLTSP program works with regional partnerships, local councils and community organisations to identify and deliver local transport opportunities.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"Our Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program is giving regional Victorians more transport options and improving access to essential services such as medical centres and shops."
"We're supporting small scale local transport initiatives across regional Victoria to help connect people to the places they need to go and improve safety on the roads locals use every day."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"These vehicles provide freedom and opportunities for community members to get where they need to go - whether it's to a medical appointment, school, or other essential services."
