Seniors across the Myall Lakes are coming out in force to take a stand against the Minns Labor Government’s decision to axe the Regional Seniors Travel Card.
The card, introduced by The Nationals in government in 2019, is a $250 pre-paid Visa card to use on fuel, taxis, electric charging stations, pre-booked NSW TrainLink regional train, and coaches.
Since 2020 more than one million of the cards have been issued, helping seniors maintain their independence by reducing their cost of travel, and injecting close to $200 million into regional economies.
Nationals’ Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, and Nationals’ Leader, Dugald Saunders, have hosted a public meeting to address Labor’s decision and to call for the reinstatement of the Card.
Mrs Thompson said the Regional Seniors Travel Card had provided a lifeline to seniors living in regional areas, providing them with affordable and accessible transport options.
“However, the cancellation of this essential program will leave many seniors without an affordable means of traveling within their communities and beyond,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Living on the Mid Coast is beautiful, but it can be harder for our seniors to travel long distances or simply make it to essential appointments. We want to send a message from Myall Lakes to the government that the Regional Seniors Travel Card is not a luxury, it is a necessity.”
During the public meeting, held at John Wright Park in Tuncurry, Mrs Thompson and Mr Saunders spoke with local community members, discussing the implications of the cancellation and garnering support for reinstating the program.
“The Labor Government has completely underestimated how valuable the Regional Seniors Travel Card is to seniors living in regional NSW,” Mr Saunders said.
Mrs Thompson and Mr Saunders acknowledged the significant role the Regional Seniors Travel Card plays in promoting social inclusion, maintaining active lifestyles for seniors, and enabling access to essential services. The support received at the meeting will be instrumental in influencing decision-makers to reinstate this vital program.
The NSW Nationals have launched a petition to stop the Labor government from cutting the Regional Seniors Travel Card in the upcoming budget.
To sign the petition to save the Regional Seniors Travel Card, visit www.savethetravelcard.com.au
