The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, is calling on the Allan Labor Government to reconsider planned changes to the Casterton school bus network after a review widely failed to consider local feedback.
The Department of Transport and Planning started a review of the network more than a year ago, and families repeatedly raised concerns about safety, travel times, local road conditions and the broader impact on the community if routes were reduced.
Despite this feedback, Ms Kealy said the government would terminate the Wando Vale–Casterton and Nareen–Casterton services, reassign vehicles and contracts, and amalgamate several routes – including Strathdownie with Killara and parts of Lake Mundi with Wando Vale – from January 28.
“Labor has overlooked the people who rely on these services every day. Its final report recommended terminating services and merging routes in ways that completely contradicted issues locals consistently raised,” Ms Kealy said.
“Families, schools, and operators explained exactly how these changes would affect them, including the risks of buses travelling on unsealed roads, longer travel times for young children if routes were altered, and the wide impact on schools, clubs and businesses, but it’s fallen on deaf ears.
“Parents have been clear about the realities of rural travel, such as dodging wildlife, heavy vehicles, long distances and unpredictable road conditions. Schools have warned that losing services will reduce enrolments, lead to staff losses and place more pressure on sporting clubs and local businesses.
“The people who run these services also offered solutions, yet none of this is reflected in the final plan. The outcome has been shaped in Melbourne without understanding how vital these buses are in a country town.”
Ms Kealy said it was also worrying that the government had scheduled another review for mid-2026 to reassess the routes, potentially placing a third service under further pressure.
“Families don’t want another round of uncertainty from Labor this year. This community has been clear from the beginning – all current bus services are essential,” she said.
Ms Kealy said it was unfair that rural children faced cuts to basic school transport while major investments continued in Melbourne.
“Casterton students deserve school bus runs that are built on local knowledge and genuine listening. I’ll keep working alongside families, schools and operators to push for a fair, safe and workable outcome for our region,” she said.