Regional bus win for Grampians travellers

Lobbyists campaigning for better public transport options for Halls Gap have had a win.

The Labor State Government has promised to expand coach services if it retains office.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan has announced a second daily return coach service between Halls Gap and Stawell, starting early next year.

The new service will leave Halls Gap mid-morning and return mid-afternoon, providing residents and tourists with more travel options.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has long lobbied for additional and improved public transport service links into Halls Gap.

She congratulated the Halls Gap district community for its ‘tireless’ campaigning.

“I have been pushing for additional bus services into Halls Gap for some time and it is fantastic that our efforts have finally been noticed by the Melbourne Labor government, but only weeks from the election,” she said.

Labor has also promised to introduce better services as part of a new Horsham town bus network, to provide more coverage and access to key destinations.

The network will help provide services that help people in Horsham, Kaniva and Edenhope get to medical appointments and social activities.

The government will contribute $195,000 for a new accessible vehicle and extension of a Wimmera Community Transport pilot project.

The new mini-bus will include a ramp to make it easier for people with a disability, prams or shopping trolley to board, and help the volunteer-run organisation to expand its services.

The pilot is part of the Labor government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, which provides funding for flexible and tailored transport trials, services and infrastructure. The Centre for Participation will also contribute $55,000 to the service.

Minister Allan said Transport for Victoria would also review Stawell and Horsham town bus networks to improve future services.

“We’re getting on with the job of better connecting our communities and delivering better and more accessible services,” she said.

“We’re proud to back the Wimmera Community Transport pilot – helping people break down barriers to get out and about and access the services they rely on.”