The Hodgman Liberal Government has reversed its decision to cut public bus services between Strahan, Queenstown and Hobart after a successful campaign by Labor.
Labor Member for Braddon Anita Dow said the service was reinstated after Labor worked with the community to table a petition in Parliament in April signed by 814 people calling for the government to reverse its decision.
Ms Dow called on Acting Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Jeremy Rockliff to now give a guarantee the bus route would remain beyond January when the government will again reassess services.
“The simple truth is the Hodgman Government did not consult with the community before axing this service and the decision was extremely short sighted,” Ms Dow said.
“Regular, flexible options linking small towns and cities are crucial, particularly for Tasmanians who need to access medical treatment or other services in major centres and have no other means of transport.
“I congratulate the community on their advocacy on this issue and this is a win for the local community.
“When the Strahan, Queenstown and Hobart service was abruptly stopped in March without community consultation, a replacement service was offered but it was completely inadequate, requiring a one-way journey of more than 30 hours which cost $80.
“It meant a return journey of four days and that was unacceptable.
“I’m happy the Hodgman Government has listened finally but now the West Coast requires an undertaking that it will not be axed again.”
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
