In the first sitting week of Parliament for 2025, The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton, Kim O’Keeffe, called on the Minster for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, to fund the Shepparton bus review. Ms O’Keeffe also tabled a petition on behalf of the community which is frustrated that the region does not have adequate, updated bus services.
A review of the Shepparton region’s bus services was last conducted 15 years ago. During that time, there has been significant growth in the region including large new housing developments. A lack of services or no bus services at all is significantly impacting the community.
Ms O’Keeffe reminded the Minister that when the government released the Victorian Bus Plan in 2021, the Minister at the time, now Deputy Premier, said it would include the regions, and that the government was committed to a bus network that better meets public transport needs and demands.
The government’s response so far has only referred to the increase of school bus services following the opening of the Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
“We are not talking about school bus services, which is a completely different review, we are talking about community and residential bus services,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
$108.5 million was pledged in the 2022-23 Victorian Budget to “improve local bus services in growth areas, implement bus reform, improve accessibility and customer outcomes.”
“We need the government to support our region in this year’s budget, and a wide-ranging review to bring our bus transport services in line with our community need.
“People need to get where they need to go, whether it be work or medical appointments. It’s a community necessity.
“Public transport is a lifeline and an affordable option for many, including the elderly, youth and non-drivers.”
The poor structure of existing bus services is continually raised by locals as a major hurdle to better liveability across the region.
“Kammy Dhillon, a local business owner, is one of many who have been consistently advocating for increased bus services,” she said.
“He has a café in the Shepparton CBD and said that he has staff having to get taxis to and from work which is a significant cost for them.
“Talking with other businesses, Mr Dhillon said that it is a major hurdle securing staff without access to public transport.
“Kammy also recently built a house in Kialla and said it was unbelievable that such a large and growing area has no bus services.”
Mr Dhillon also instigated the Petition that was tabled in parliament with local bus operators in support of a bus service review.
“Dysons bus company is also really frustrated because they want to support the community and provide more transport services.
“They also want to progress their business and bring the services in line with growth and needs of the community.
“Currently services on Saturdays are limited, and there are no services provided on a Sunday.
“On top of this, there is only one bus that services the train station on the hour, but it does not align with the V/Line timetable.
“I have urged the Minister to support the community’s needs and fund a bus service review.