Council to push for hinterland service
Tue 20 May 2008
Renee Anderson, Journalism
Sunshine Coast Regional Council will push the State Government to fund a permanent hinterland bus service after a Strategy and Planning Committee meeting yesterday.
The Maroochydore and Caloundra Councils and Queensland Transport initiated a six-month trial of the service from Maleny to Nambour in 2007 which is due to finish at the end of May.
Council members expressed concern over State Government funding cuts at yesterday’s meeting in Tewantin and vowed to fight for a continuation of the service.
Infrastructure Policy Manager George Pegoraro told council the trial service between Maleny and Nambour had been a success, reporting that 7680 passengers had used the service during the first four months.
Mr Pegoraro said usage had increased as residents had become more aware of the service.
He said despite this success Queensland Transport had written to council on April 21 advising them no funds had been allocated for the service in the 2008/09 State Budget.
Mr Pegoraro said Translink was prepared to fund a further six months of the current service in a 50/50 partnership with council, which would cost each party about $45,000.
Meeting Chairperson, division nine councillor Vivien Griffen, said the trial service had been well used and had proven to be a useful service for residents of the hinterland region.
Cr Griffen said the main issue for council was how to pressure Queensland Transport for full funding for the service.
Division eleven councillor Russell Green said funding had been slashed due to other State Government developmental commitments.
Cr Green said the bus service was vital for regional areas such as Maleny and would give residents in many communities full access to education and work.
“I have no problem considering funds for this service in the budget,” Cr Green said.
Division seven councillor Ted Hungerford said he was concerned council would have to fund the project.
“I am concerned that it’s not a core council responsibility, but rather a State Government issue.”
Councillor Jenny McKay, who represents the Maleny Division, told council she would be more than happy to pursue State Government funding and present a vigorous case to the Minister.
“We need to be at the Minister’s desk. This service is so important for the hinterland community.”
Current revenue will extend the trial date through to June 30.
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