During the first sitting week of 2025, state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe took a stand, urging Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams to fund a much-needed review of the Shepparton bus services.
“People need to get where they need to go, whether it be work or medical appointments, it’s a community necessity,” she said.
The last review of Shepparton’s bus services was conducted 15 years ago, before the region saw significant growth, including large housing developments.
Since then, the lack of updated and sufficient bus services has become a major burden for the community, which locals consistently identify as a significant barrier to improved liveability in the region.
“Public transport is a lifeline and an affordable option for many, including the elderly, youth and non-drivers,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
During the sitting, Ms O’Keeffe tabled a petition on behalf of the community, reflecting residents’ frustrations over inadequate bus services.
She said local business owner Kammy Dhillon also instigated a petition tabled in parliament with local bus operators to support a bus service review.
“He has a café in the Shepparton CBD and said that he has staff having to get taxis to and from work, which is a significant cost for them,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Dysons Bus Services is also really frustrated because they want to support the community and provide more transport services.”
Ms O’Keeffe noted that the government’s responses so far had focused on increased school bus services following the opening of Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
“We are not talking about school bus services, which is a completely different review, we are talking about community and residential bus services,” she said.
The 2022-23 Victorian budget pledged $108.5 million to “improve local bus services in growth areas, implement bus reform, improve accessibility and customer outcomes”.
However, Ms O’Keeffe clarified that Shepparton deserved attention in this year’s budget, too.
“We need the government to support our region in this year’s budget and a wide-ranging review to bring our bus transport services in line with our community needs,” she said.
“Currently, services on Saturdays are limited, and there are no services provided on Sundays.
“On top of this, there is only one bus that services the train station on the hour, but it does not align with the V/Line timetable.
“I have urged the minister to support the community’s needs and fund a bus service review.”
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