The Golden Plains Shire is demanding an urgent upgrade to its bus services following a comprehensive review that highlighted significant deficiencies in the region's public transport network.
Review Findings Prompt Urgent Action
The review, commissioned by the shire council, revealed that current bus services are inadequate to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Key issues include infrequent services, limited routes, and poor connectivity to major employment and education hubs.
Population Growth Outstrips Service Provision
Golden Plains has experienced substantial population growth over the past decade, with new residential developments attracting families and workers. However, bus services have not kept pace, leaving many residents without reliable public transport options. The review found that only 30% of residents have access to a bus stop within a 10-minute walk, and services are often limited to peak hours only.
Call for Immediate Improvements
Council Mayor Cr. Helena Kirby said the findings were alarming and called on the state government to act immediately. “Our community deserves a modern, efficient public transport system that supports our growth and connects people to where they need to go,” she said. “We need more buses, more frequent services, and better connections to Geelong and other key destinations.”
The council has identified several priority actions, including:
- Increasing bus frequency on existing routes to every 30 minutes during peak times
- Extending service hours to evenings and weekends
- Introducing new routes to connect emerging suburbs with shopping centres, schools, and health services
- Improving bus stop infrastructure with shelters, seating, and real-time information displays
Community Frustration Mounts
Residents have expressed frustration with the current state of bus services. Local mother of two, Sarah Thompson, said she often has to drive her children to school because the bus doesn't run early enough. “It’s really inconvenient and adds to traffic congestion. We need a reliable service that works for families,” she said.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Improving bus services would not only benefit residents but also support local businesses and reduce carbon emissions. Better public transport can ease road congestion, lower transport costs for households, and attract new investment to the region.
The council is urging the state government to allocate funding for the upgrades in the upcoming budget. A petition has been launched by local community groups, gathering over 2,000 signatures in support of the campaign.
Next Steps
The shire will present the review findings to the state transport minister next month. Council officers are also working on a detailed business case to support the funding request. In the meantime, the council is exploring interim measures, such as partnering with ride-share services to fill gaps in the network.
“We cannot wait any longer. The time for action is now,” Cr. Kirby concluded.
