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small business Community facilities | February 13, 2017

Kealy – More bus services to support Grampians tourism

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is frustrated by the Andrews Labor Government’s refusal to commit to improved bus services for the Grampians National Park.

“During a parliamentary sitting session late last year I specifically asked the Minister for Public Transport, Hon. Jacinta Allan when a public transport service between Stawell, Halls Gap and Bellfield being proposed by the local community would be approved”, Ms Kealy said.

“The response I received was disappointing, to say the least, with the Minister referring to train services to Ararat.

“Clearly the Minister does not understand that Ararat is not part of the Grampians National Park - another example of current the city centric Labor Government”, she said.

A formal submission developed in partnership with Stawell City Bus Services, the Northern Grampians Shire Council and local businesses has been presented to Public Transport Victoria for a tri-daily connecting bus route.

“The Grampians National Park is a major tourism drawcard for Western Victoria. It not only offers a beautiful environment and bushwalking opportunities, but also a range of high quality accommodation, cafes, wineries, gourmet food producers and activities such as abseiling and rock climbing”, Ms Kealy said.

“One of the greatest barriers to the future development of tourism opportunities in the Grampians is poor access to public transport.

“Regular and connecting bus services to and from the Grampians would not only support tourism but also local residents, students and those who travel to reach their place of employment.

“I am calling on the Labor Government to confirm a new bus service between Stawell, Halls Gap and Bellfield to improve connectivity with other public transport services to Horsham and Stawell and assist in expanding tourism in the Grampians”, she said.