THE wheels on the bid to get community buses in Cardinia have gone around — from zero to three.
Residents and local authorities at the helm of efforts to improve transport options for elderly residents and people in isolated areas were celebrating on Monday.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato announced that Cardinia Shire Council had won a community bus program grant.
Ms Lobato said Emerald Community House would also receive funding under the same program.
“Cardinia Shire Council will use a $58,365 grant to purchase a bus to help link isolated residents to local services and activities,” Ms Lobato said.
She said Emerald Community House would use a $59,210 grant to purchase a bus to help link the Emerald and Pakenham communities.
“The bus will also help older people get out and about more and provide them with a safe and comfortable transport service to access essential services,” Ms Lobato said.
Cardinia acting chief executive Garry McQuillan said the funding was most welcome and came on top of a $50,000 donation by the Cardinia Foundation and Lang Lang Community Bank towards a bus for Kooweerup and Lang Lang.
“We’ve gone from zero to three buses in the space of six months,” Mr McQuillan said.
The council will also receive a $175,000 volunteer support grant to develop a shirewide network encouraging residents to get involved in volunteering.
Emerald community representatives joined Ms Lobato and council officials at the funding announcement.
Emerald Community House coordinator Chris Easdown said it was fantastic news.
Mayor Bill Ronald also welcomed the funding, saying the council enjoyed a strong partnership with the State Government.
Cardinia community services manager Joe Spiteri said the new buses would add value to the existing public transport system.
Paul Dunlop
