Peninsula businesses and community groups support Better Buses

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29 October 2019

In a show of support for the Better Buses campaign, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has received letters of support from businesses and community association groups, adding to the 1,200 written responses already received since the launch in August.

This is in addition to the 68,000 people who have engaged with the campaign content on Facebook and have watched the campaign videos featuring local people explaining their problems created by the lack of public transport on the Peninsula.

The campaign was backed by the Mornington Chamber of Commerce who substantiates why funding better bus routes and increasing frequency of buses on the Peninsula would improve the lives of residents, businesses and visitors.

From a commercial perspective, better buses would benefit in bringing more of the wider community to the major precinct for daily shopping and experiences and ultimately help stimulate the local economy.

It would also help with filling job positions by welcoming job candidates who are without a licence or vehicle to enter the workforce within Mornington.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor David Gill said inefficient public transport connections on the Peninsula are creating a barrier to meaningful employment for many and put a strain on our local businesses.

“Having access to reliable, consistent and direct transport across the Peninsula could lead to better employment outcomes”.

Support has come from many business, community and ratepayer groups, such as the Dromana Industrial Association, Tyabb & District Ratepayers Groups, Nepean Ratepayers Association and Flinders Community Association who, along with many others, have all written to support the Better Buses movement.

“A regular cross Peninsula bus service would assist the Tyabb community. Currently, travelling to the western side of the Peninsula, all bus travel must be via Frankston,” said Katrina Chalke, Secretary of Tyabb & District Ratepayers Groups.

“Taking a bus instead of driving is currently not an option, as available buses are not frequent enough, are not readily accessible in many areas and do not go where people want to go,” said Colin Watson, President Nepean Ratepayers Association Inc.

“It is also very difficult to access important medical facilities such as the Rosebud Hospital, a major supplier of health care on the Peninsula,” said Jo Monie President, Flinders Community Association.

“We need better buses on the Peninsula. The current out-of-date transport network is not working for our young people, the disabled, retirees, workers, parents and visitors. In fact 82% of the Mornington Peninsula has no public transport,” concluded Councillor Gill.

Community members are encouraged to stay involved with the Better Buses campaign. The Shire will be continuing to engage with our community and visitors throughout the summer period.

To get involved and to learn more visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/betterbuses.

/Public Release. View in full here.