Axed bus trials ‘cost up to $335 per head’
in brief
BY MICHELLE HERBISON SUBSIDIES of up to $335 a passenger have convinced State Government to scrap a Bannockburn loop bus trial introduced under Labor, Transport Minister Terry Mulder has revealed. Mr Mulder said the service was so underused that only one in 10 trips carried a single passenger. The Bannockburn loop was one of four Transport Connections Program bus trials to be scrapped in the Geelong region this week. The Government also axed services running from: Moriac to Waurn Ponds and Torquay; Queenscliff to Jan Juc; and Winchelsea and Moriac to Waurn Ponds and Torquay. The program’s Colac-to-Lorne serv-
A GEELONG detective has been nominated for a prestigious award for “fighting serious and organised crime”, according to Victoria Police. A spokesperson said Detective Leading Senior Constable Daryl Crosthwaite was in line to win the honour for his work with Geelong Criminal Investigation Unit over the past 20 years.
ice is under review. Mr Mulder said the Moriac-toWaurn-Ponds-and-Torquay bus carried fewer than two passengers a trip. But a Geelong-to-Bannockburn route would become permanent, he said. “This local bus has been well-supported by local communities, carrying an average of slightly more than seven passengers a trip,” Mr Mulder said. Mr Mulder confirmed the Government would cancel 30 routes around the state, make 27 permanent and reassess 10. “Labor grossly mismanaged projects such as Transport Connections and wasted millions of taxpayers’ dollars,” he said.
Mr Mulder pointed to a 2011 Auditor General’s finding that cast doubt on whether the Transport Connections buses were worthwhile. Shadow transport minister Fiona Richardson said the cuts would impact students, the elderly, disabled and unemployed. “These improved transport services provided rural and regional Victorians with opportunities to attend medical appointments, work, attend social functions and contribute to local economies,” she said. “Labor introduced the Transport Connections Program to improve transport options for people living in rural and regional Victoria.” Public Transport Users Association
Geelong convener Paul Westcott said the program was an “obvious target” for cost cutting. “Because it was just a stop-gap measure it couldn’t provide services people were going to use in any real way. The services were run on a shoestring.” Mr Westcott said the initial proposal was “like a glorified taxi service” for people unable to drive. But council-employed coordinators involved in the program had identified a need for more timetabled buses, he said. “We’d like to see a more-comprehensive and well-planned regional and rural bus and public transport network.”
TAC backs golf day to rehabilitate smash victims GEELONG’S TAC office is acutely aware of Victoria’s “hidden road toll”, according to its chief executive officer. Janet Dore said the organisation accepted about 19,000 claims each year from road accident victims around the state. That’s why the TAC has sponsored this year’s Independent McKellar Centre Charity Golf Day. The event will raise money to buy Victoria’s first upper-limb evaluation kit, which the region’s peak rehabilitation and aged care facility will use to help road accident victims recover arm function. Ms Dore said the state’s road toll had declined over the past 30 yeas but 6000 Victorians were still “seriously injured” in crashes each year. “These people and their injuries are what we refer to as the hidden road toll. “These are the Victorians seri-
ously injured on our roads who are always focussing on coping with the physical and emotional scars left from road trauma.” “For them, a milestone worth celebrating is vastly different to the average Victorian. It might be learning to walk again, getting back to work or simply being able to shower or feed themselves without the help of an aid. “We are pleased to support the McKellar Centre in its endeavour to bring the first upper limb evaluation kit to Victoria and help our clients achieve independence.” Organisers have issued a final call for entries for the golf day’s Ambrose competition, starting 8am next Friday at 13th Beach golf course. Teams and individuals wanting to play should phone Kerry O’Sullivan on 5279 2222 or email him on kerryo@barwon- In the swing: TAC’s Tony Sedunary helps boss Janet Dore perfect her swing. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 78894 health.org.au.
Alcoa warning GEELONG would never forgive or forget any state or federal government that allowed Alcoa Australia to fold, the city’s acting mayor has told a business breakfast. Cr Cameron Granger used the breakfast this week to urge Premier Ted Baillieu to act now rather than simply await the outcome of Alcoa’s Point Henry plant review.
Cop nominated
Ford opposition FORD AUSTRALIA has joined automotive industry opposition to relocating car shipping from Melbourne to Geelong. Ford Australia boss Robert Graziano said the company was supporting the general industry position through Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
Cat ambassadors CATS LEGENDS Cameron Ling and Billy Brownless are leading a new campaign encouraging Melburnians to move into regional Victoria, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan has announced. He said the pair were “ideal” ambassadors for an expo in Melbourne next month to highlight the advantages of living outside the big smoke.
Bike honour A FOUNDER of Geelong Touring Cyclists has won a national honour for his work promoting bicycling, according to award organisers. Australian Bicycling Achieve Awards said Frank Kinnersly won the top gong for his voluntary services to riding over the past 35 years.
Inverleigh fun A “HUGE” stage will showcase “local talent” at two-day festival in Inverleigh this weekend, organisers have announced. They said Leighfest 2012 would feature a range of free entertainment and activities from 5pm to 10pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday at Lawson’s Park South.
Brew wins A BELLARINE Peninsula winery has won one of the top categories at a Fed Square Microbreweries Showcase in Melbourne, according to a spokesperson for the event. The spokesperson said Bellarine Estate defeated challengers from around the state to win best stout.
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The Independent, Friday March 23, 2012
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