Buses miss out

By Helena Adeloju
THE recent State Budget has been slammed for not delivering funding for Upper Yarra transport services.
“Funds should have been allocated in the State Budget towards increasing bus service for residents along the Warburton Highway,” Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue said.
Mr O’Donohue said the State budget had “done nothing” to provide additional transport services for the Upper Yarra.
“Residents need the opportunity to access nearby employment options in Lilydale, Bayswater and beyond,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“Without a functioning hospital in the Upper Yarra residents also need transport access to Healesville for health services.”
In a presentation during Parliament last year, Mr O’Donohue said after the previous Labor Government closed down services in the Upper Yarra he had hoped that Brumby Government would revive the flagging transport service.
Mr O’Donohue said the lack of any plan to extend the Upper Yarra bus service was of concern.
“It appears that the Upper Yarra Community has been forgotten by the State Government,” Mr O’Donohue said.
Shire of Yarra Ranges community relations officer Kristy Thomas said the shire was disappointed that the Upper Yarra transport situation was not funded in the budget.
“The shire is disappointed that funding for public transport in the Upper Yarra was not a high priority in the recent state budget,” Ms Thomas said.
“We will continue to advocate for better public transport for the Yarra Ranges Community.”