Ms O’Keeffe sponsored the petition calling on the Victorian Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the area’s bus routes, which have not been updated in more than 15 years.
According to Ms O’Keeffe, areas the most affected by this lack of transportation are Kialla, Congupna and Shepparton East, where extensive residential developments occurred after the most recent review.
“Accessible and reliable public transport plays a crucial role in the daily lives of so many people, with a bus review critical to ensuring we can align services with demand,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The current petition calls on the Victorian Government to undertake an extensive bus service review for Shepparton and its surrounds.
“The Department of Transport and Planning is responsible for these town bus routes which are no longer serving the needs of our broader community.”
According to Ms O’Keeffe, these areas lack public transport routes, limiting residents’ access to Shepparton CBD and surrounding suburbs.
“Several operators across the region have contacted me to highlight the urgent need for expanded bus services and additional routes across Greater Shepparton,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“They are frustrated, they want to provide increased much needed services, but their hands are tied until a bus review is completed.”
Kialla business owner Kammy Dhillon, who initiated the petition, emphasised the pressing need for better public transport.
“It is hard to believe that the transport needs have not progressed for over 15 years considering the growth of the area,” he said.
“As a business owner, I have staff that need public transport to get to work.
“They can’t depend on family and friends and are having to pay for taxis.
“Kialla has had significant growth, and with that comes the need for public transport.”
The petition will be tabled in parliament by Ms O’Keeffe to address the issue.
“I have been constantly calling on the Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, to acknowledge the growth of the region and to support the much-needed review and increased services,” she said.
“I encourage everyone across the region to sign the open petition, call on the government to conduct a bus review and ensure our bus routes work for the Greater Shepparton of today and the future.”
Community members can sign the petition in person at Ms O’Keeffe’s office or online on the Parliament of Victoria’s website until February 3.
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