Hinterland bus service in doubt
Sun 18 May 2008
Sasha Pcino, Journalism
Sunshine Coast hinterland residents fear they could lose their bus service due to a lack of State Government funding.
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) said the former Caloundra City and Maroochy Councils in partnership with Queensland Transport (QT) helped fund the six month bus service, which operated daily from Maleny to Nambour.
But the trial program is set to end on June 20, 2008.
The State Government said no further funding was allocated to the program.
SCRC division 5 councillor Jenny McKay said council provided start up funding and it was disappointing the State Government did not supply continued financial support.
She said the community support showed the need for a hinterland bus service.
“Overall the trial has met and is expected to exceed the target requirement,” Cr McKay said.
She said it was unfortunate the State Government did not continue to fund the service it began.
Cr McKay said the council would write to QT and meet with the staff and ministers to push for funding to continue.
Mapleton resident Keith East said he thought the villagers should have a bus service.
His wife Celia East said before the trial program there was only a school bus service.
“If this bus was terminated … we just have to rely on our own transport or someone driving us,” she said.
Mrs East said sick elderly people who were not able to drive could get help from the care cottage at Flaxton.
Mr East said his neighbour had to go to the doctor, so sometimes they gave her a lift.
“Some … [people] go down on the school bus in the morning, but that’s not always convenient,” he said.
Mrs East said the bus service was inexpensive compared with fuel prices, especially for those on pensions.
Mr East said many older people wanted to live in there, but had to move to the city area where they were closer to facilities.
“People have gotten older, so they just can’t drive anymore,” he said.
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