Improve transport

Public transport availability in rural areas is abysmal. I work in the education sector and for young people who want employment before the age of 18, one of their biggest hurdles is transport to and from work or even post-secondary school education if they do not live in a major town centre like Warragul, Traralgon or Morwell.

God help them if they live in Sale or Churchill and have an offer of employment in Traralgon or Warragul. The bus and train service options for them to get to work or post-secondary school education are sadly lacking.

Who in the state and federal government is going to look after the transport infrastructure in rural areas?

Our rail services belong in the late twentieth century, not the twenty-first century. Funding needs to be made available and this should have been an ongoing aspect of any state government’s responsibility and is a priority.

Wonder why young people desert rural areas in Victoria for the urban sprawl in Melbourne and larger population centres like Geelong? The answer is simple.

When you do not have the availability of support from extended family or friends to get lifts to employment, your work options are very limited.

Your post-secondary education options are also limited. Plus many young people do not have the financial resources to buy a car at 18 years of age.

A growing and vibrant community needs greater availability of transport options for young people and older people who may have