McLeish’s call for bus service info session in Murrindindi Shire win

An information session in Murrindindi Shire for proposed changes to Eildon – Southern Cross Station Bus Route 684 has been announced.

This comes after State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish called on the Minister in Parliament to ensure community consultation took place to give those in small country towns a chance to express their concerns.

This will allow those who could not attend the Healesville sessions to share their views and ask questions to PTV transport planners in person.

Ms McLeish said, “Holding information sessions only in Healesville and only during the day does not cut the mustard.”

“The Black Spur was closed when one session was held, making it near impossible for people to attend and all sessions so far have been during working hours and are around an hour away for these communities.”

“Route 684 is an important service that works well for small communities. They deserve to have their voices heard as it will affect them the most.”

The elderly, those with a disability or mental health concerns and workers catch this line for safety, practicality, familiarity, comfort and the assistance drivers provide. The coach currently stops at Eastland, St Vincent’s Hospital and Southern Cross station which is a real benefit to country Victorians.

All future bus services from Eildon will finish at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre via Lilydale Station. It is expected that coach passengers will board the train at Lilydale Station to the city. The only access to the medical precinct in East Melbourne for passengers who caught the train would be to then walk or catch a tram.

Ms McLeish continues, “My office has heard community members concerns about the proposed changes and how it will affect them. They desperately do not want to lose this service. That’s why I have created an e-petition to try and keep the bus service running.”

The e-petition can be signed online at Legislative Assembly E-Petitions (parliament.vic.gov.au) e-petition number 2022040801, via Facebook Page CindyMcLeishMP and the below QR Code. The E-petition will close on 10 May 2022 and be tabled in parliament by Ms McLeish.