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Public Transport | June 04, 2019

Minister invited to experience public transport - western Victorian style

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has invited the Minister for Public Transport to join her on a return trip from Hamilton to Horsham using public transport only.

Ms Kealy issued the invitation as an adjournment matter during Parliament last week, with the Minister now having 30 days to respond in writing.

“In the 2018 election local people voted emphatically to bring back passenger rail to Horsham and Hamilton,” Ms Kealy said.

“They also voted to create a new direct coach connection to link Hamilton, Cavendish, Balmoral and Horsham with a return afternoon service.”

The 120 km trip by car from Hamilton to Horsham currently takes 6-hours by public transport, with local residents required to travel by bus via Ballarat.

“Many locals have contacted me to express their disappointment that there was no mention of returning passenger rail to Horsham and Hamilton in the 2019-20 budget papers,” Ms Kealy said.

“There wasn’t even a mention of a business case to determine the best way to deliver rail services to our region.

“Once again our region has been completely overlooked by Labor in terms of public transport – another stark reality check against their bold claims that they are delivering for all Victorians.

“To give the Minister the opportunity to meet with local public transport users who want better public transport services and connections between western Victorian towns, I have invited her to join me and experience the 12-hour bus trip that local residents are required to endure to make the return journey from Hamilton to Horsham.

“Labor is sprucing record investment into transport, education and health – just not in western Victoria.

“This appalling State Budget from Daniel Andrews confirms yet again that the Premier has no plan and no money for regional Victoria.”