MEMBER for Lowan Emma Kealy has called for an urgent review of public transport in the Wimmera.
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Ms Kealy moved a motion in parliament on Thursday calling for the Andrews Labor Government to review public transport, including the feasibility of passenger rail in the region.
The Coalition promised a review before the election.
‘‘A quality public transport service is not just something for those in metropolitan Melbourne – it needs to be available to everyone,’’ Ms Kealy said.
‘‘Access to fast, reliable and regular public transport options are known drivers of economic growth.’’
Ms Kealy said a broad ranging review of public transport was needed, including opportunities for public transport connections across western Victoria such as a Horsham to Hamilton bus route.
‘‘Daniel Andrews has been happily spending billions of dollars in Melbourne, including $11 billion for the Melbourne Metro Rail Project and $8 billion to remove Melbourne level crossings,’’ she said.
‘‘He must not forget regional and rural Victorians and urgently review of all public transport services in western Victoria.’’
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said if Ms Kealy and the Nationals cared about public transport they would have done something about it in government.
‘‘The review of public transport services announced in the dying days of the failed Coalition government was a desperate attempt to trick western Victorian voters and it didn’t work,’’ she said.
‘‘Rather than a sham review, we will develop a comprehensive Regional Network Development Plan, which will guide improvements to public transport across the state, including in western Victoria.
‘‘In developing this plan, we will speak to the regional communities and local councils the Nationals ignored in government.’’
Ms Allan said only Labor cared about public transport in western Victoria.
‘‘Labor reintroduced rail services to Ararat – a train service that was closed by the Kennett Coalition,’’ she said.
‘‘Regional Rail Link was funded and planned by Labor and will be opened by Labor.’’