A community led group, with support from Council, EV – Strengthening Communities (formerly Eastern Volunteers), CIRE Services and the University of Melbourne have run a trial of shuttle bus services, taking locals and visitors to La La Falls and the Rainforest Gallery from Warburton.
The shuttle bus trial – dubbed the ‘Warby Hopper’ – was made available thanks to support from local community members who generously donated their time and experience.
The buses recorded around 80 pick-ups on a schedule throughout Saturday 26 April and Sunday 27 April, departing from the main street in Warburton.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said he understood the difficulties of getting around the town.
“We know that parking and getting around Warburton can be really difficult on weekends – something we’re working to address this year with our paid parking pilot in priority spots in town,” Cr Child said.
“These shuttle bus trips help people to access areas of the Upper Yarra that aren’t walkable from town and have limited space for parking.”
People using the ‘Warby Hopper’ were requested to fill out a survey that will provide useful data for possible future shuttle bus trials.
“We had resoundingly positive feedback from community members and staff for the pilot and look forward to doing more work in this space.”
The ‘Warby Hopper’ project stemmed from the State Government funded Yarra Ranges Local Development Strategy project.
There are five Innovation Working Groups working on business cases and proposals in the Upper Yarra as part of project.
The five groups are all locally led and include representatives from community, businesses, government agencies and academia.
They cover areas such as better transport, renewable energy, robust artisanal and agricultural industries and repurposing abandoned places.
For more information on the Upper Yarra Local Development Project visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/UYLDP
