Zoe Moffatt
A Hume councillor is calling for the introduction of the SmartBus network into Sunbury, following community calls for better public transport options.
Jacksons Creek ward councillor Jack Medcraft criticised Transport Minister Ben Carroll over his inaction on the issue, and said his lack of communication is “the height of ignorance”.
“At least two terms on council I’ve raised this issue about SmartBus being extended to Sunbury and surrounds,” Cr Medcraft said.
“We’ve sent letters to the minister. This has been ongoing for years.
“I think Ben might have to put some more ink in his printing cartridge because he has trouble sending replies.
“I just find it amazing. It’s the height of ignorance really, if you send an email to somebody, you’d expect at least an acknowledgement.”
Cr Medcraft said better public transport will help get more cars off the road and is important as Melbourne’s north-west continues to grow.
“I think with the new estates that are going up around Sunbury, we really need to look at alternative routes, especially to the Melbourne Airport.
“I’ve been pushing for years to get them to bring the SmartBus from Cheltenham or Chelsea to the Melbourne Airport to go through Sunbury, Diggers Rest and back that way.
“We are trying to cut down the amount of traffic on the roads and [if people] know there’s a bus to go to and from a place [they] won’t have to drive, they’ll catch a bus.
“If it doesn’t get better it’s going to mean more cars. It’s going to mean more clogged roads.”
Cr Medcraft’s comments follow a petition launched on August 28 by Sunbury resident Matthew McKay calling for an improved bus service.
Mr McKay told Star Weekly the stakes in resolving the issue are high, and access to reliable and convenient transportation is a matter of fundamental equality and accessibility.
“If things remain unchanged, we risk perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage that affects the socio-economic development of Sunbury as a whole,” he said.
A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning said the department regularly reviews the public transport network to identify where improvements can be made and welcome feedback from the community.
“Buses are a critical part of Sunbury’s public transport network keeping locals connected – we’ll continue working to ensure services are the best fit for the community,“ they said.
Mr Carroll was contacted for comment regarding Cr Medcraft’s criticisms.
