Adjournment: Cambridge Gardens Bus Services

Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) (19:10:57): (1327) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Public Transport, and the action I seek is for the minister to consider what options may be available to provide much-needed access to bus services for residents living in the Cambridge Gardens estate in Attwood. Cambridge Gardens is a well-established development and home to hundreds of local families in my electorate. Many residents have raised with me the lack of accessible public transport nearby, particularly with the nearest bus stop located a considerable walk from their homes. I certainly share the concerns of Cambridge Gardens residents, and I share their view that an extension of services, such as the route 484 bus service, is necessary to ensure that their families can have safe and convenient access to public transport. With around a 1-kilometre distance to the nearest bus stop, which is on the opposite side of a busy arterial road, the need for a bus service into this estate is clear. Extending the route 484 bus service is one potential option. It would provide these residents with access to Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park shopping and activity centres as well as connectivity to the Craigieburn train line via Broadmeadows station and Roxburgh Park station. I appreciate the minister’s consideration of this request, and I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with residents of the Cambridge Gardens estate.

Response: 

Department of Transport (DoT) recognises the important role that buses play in meeting the travel needs of the Victorian community and is continually reviewing existing routes and the need for potential new routes.

I understand Cambridge Gardens in Attwood is not currently serviced by Public Transport, with some residents needing to walk in excess of 1km to catch the Route 484 bus.

I have asked DoT  to investigate options to provide Public Transport access to Cambridge Gardens residents and will endeavour to provide you an update within the first few months of the new year.

The Hon Melissa Horne MP
Minister for Public Transport
Minister for Ports and Freight