By Robert Hayward
WE ARE seeking a weekend bus service from Cape Paterson to Wonthaggi and an extension of the service to the Cape eco village.
Curently Cape Paterson’s young people are isolated from Wonthaggi at the weekends and Wonthaggi’s young people are isolated from the beach at Cape Paterson.
But a weekend bus service is not just for young people. There are more retired folk at Cape Paterson not driving any more who are also isolated from friends and services in Wonthaggi.
WE ARE seeking a weekend bus service from Cape Paterson to Wonthaggi and an extension of the service to the Cape eco village.
Curently Cape Paterson’s young people are isolated from Wonthaggi at the weekends and Wonthaggi’s young people are isolated from the beach at Cape Paterson.
But a weekend bus service is not just for young people. There are more retired folk at Cape Paterson not driving any more who are also isolated from friends and services in Wonthaggi.
Three years ago we asked through our MP Jordan Crugnale MP to talk to the then Minister for Transport to consider the weekend bus service extension. NOTHING happened.
So we started a petition. Thanks to Cr Leticia Laing who helped me prepare the petition and to the many supporters who collected over 400 signatures. The petition was presented to the State Government by Bass MP Jordan Crugnale in May 2021.
On August 26, the Transport Minister Ben Carroll replied … the usual letter saying he
would refer the letter to the Department of Transport. I received a letter from Fiona Blair in the Department of Transport saying she would forward the letter to The Honourable Ben Carroll, Minister for Transport.
So where to from here?
When considering requests for new services, or maintenance of existing services, the Department of Transport looks at the amount of use the bus service is getting.
To help with this project I am asking you to leave the car at home and use the bus to go shopping. The benefits are less pollution, less parking hassle and massive savings. The real cost of driving a car from Cape Paterson to Wonthaggi and back is $16. It costs $4 to go on the bus.
Another suggestion is for a Wonthaggi walking group to catch a bus to Cape Paterson, walk around the clifftop or beach then stop at the tavern or cafe for a coffee and cake.
If you have any ideas that may help please email me at [email protected]
Meanwhile, phone, write a letter to or email Ben Carroll, Minister for Transport stating your support for the bus service.
1 Spring Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Telephone 03 9095 4301
Email [email protected]
I have written some pointers in support of a weekend bus service but it’s best if you compose your own letters.
Remember the pen is mightier than the sword … Thanking you in anticipation.
Robert Hayward is a resident of Cape Paterson.
So we started a petition. Thanks to Cr Leticia Laing who helped me prepare the petition and to the many supporters who collected over 400 signatures. The petition was presented to the State Government by Bass MP Jordan Crugnale in May 2021.
On August 26, the Transport Minister Ben Carroll replied … the usual letter saying he
would refer the letter to the Department of Transport. I received a letter from Fiona Blair in the Department of Transport saying she would forward the letter to The Honourable Ben Carroll, Minister for Transport.
So where to from here?
When considering requests for new services, or maintenance of existing services, the Department of Transport looks at the amount of use the bus service is getting.
To help with this project I am asking you to leave the car at home and use the bus to go shopping. The benefits are less pollution, less parking hassle and massive savings. The real cost of driving a car from Cape Paterson to Wonthaggi and back is $16. It costs $4 to go on the bus.
Another suggestion is for a Wonthaggi walking group to catch a bus to Cape Paterson, walk around the clifftop or beach then stop at the tavern or cafe for a coffee and cake.
If you have any ideas that may help please email me at [email protected]
Meanwhile, phone, write a letter to or email Ben Carroll, Minister for Transport stating your support for the bus service.
1 Spring Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Telephone 03 9095 4301
Email [email protected]
I have written some pointers in support of a weekend bus service but it’s best if you compose your own letters.
- Bass Coast is one the fastest growing regions in Victoria. The permanent population has been growing over the last 20 years and more are coming.
- Retired folk at Cape Paterson who don’t drive any more are isolated from friends and services in Wonthaggi.
- With summer coming we need a weekend bus service so Wonthaggi children can come to Cape Paterson for their swimming lessons.
- The buses are available; we just need drivers to be organised.
- The Cape eco village has no bus service at all.
- We need a bus service so people can attend church on Sundays.
- We need a bus service so people can attend the cinema at the weekend.
- We need a bus service so we can enjoy the Bass Coast Area and travel around and experience freedom.
- We need a bus service so we can leave the car at home and reduce pollution. We anticipate electric buses in the future.
- Children especially need a bus service so they can get around and be independent from their parents’ taxi service.
Remember the pen is mightier than the sword … Thanking you in anticipation.
Robert Hayward is a resident of Cape Paterson.