The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says the Allan Labor Government must explain why promised additional V/Line coach services between Yarram, Leongatha and Melbourne have not been delivered.
Funding to increase the services was included in the 2024-25 State Budget, with the Government originally indicating the additional services would begin in 2025 before later revising the timeframe to “early 2026”.
Mr O’Brien said Gippsland communities were losing patience.
“The Government’s own information still says these additional services will be introduced in ‘early 2026’, yet we are now heading into June and Gippslanders are still no closer to seeing these promised improvements,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This funding was announced almost two years ago and so far all the community has received is consultation, vague updates and shifting timelines.
“The Allan Labor Government is happy to pat itself on the back for providing cheaper public transport fares, but cheaper fares do not help Gippslanders if the actual bus service still has not been delivered.”
Mr O’Brien said residents in communities along the South Gippsland Highway rely heavily on coach services to access medical appointments, education, employment and other essential services.
“Communities in South Gippsland do not have the luxury of rail services, so reliable coach connections are incredibly important.
“People deserve better than endless announcements and delays. If there are problems holding this project up, the Allan Labor Government should be upfront about it.
“Gippslanders deserve reliable public transport and they deserve honest communication when commitments are not being met.”