Jessica Micallef
A Romsey resident is calling on Macedon Ranges council to fund and build a shelter at a busy bus stop.
Maree Marshall said a shelter was urgently needed at the bus stop on the corner of Reynolds Grove and Main Road, Romsey.
She said bus commuters, especially students, were constantly exposed to the elements while waiting for the bus.
“The kids are standing in the rain waiting for the buses,” she said.
“There are four buses that pull up there in the mornings and there are a fair amount of kids.
“It is frustrating because we pay all our rates … where does all our money go?”
In a letter to Ms Marshall, seen by Star Weekly, the council’s engineering and resource recovery manager Gary Randhawa said while the council acknowledged a bus shelter would be beneficial, the cost was “significant”.
“Substantial ground works would be required to allow for a bus pull and merge area, drainage works, signage and erection of the bus shelter including hard stand areas and therefore requires substantial financial support,” the letter said.
“A proposal was developed for consideration by the council as part of the 2020-21 budget process, but unfortunately this project could not be funded.
“The council, in principle, supports this proposal and is looking at external funding opportunities to potentially support the funding … or reconsider in the next financial year budget process.”
