Emerald Secondary College student Michael Galea led a campaign to improve public transport in the hills. Picture: Meagan Rogers.Paul Dunlop
MICHAEL Galea is too young to vote but can already stake a claim as a serious political lobbyist.
The Emerald Secondary College year eight student played a key role in shaping the State Government’s recent announcement to significantly improve bus services in the hills.
As previously reported in the Gazette, Michael channelled his frustrations at the lack of public transport in the area into a petition calling for bus services to be established linking his home town of Gembrook with other towns.
The enterprising teenager collected signatures from schoolmates, teachers and residents.
He presented his petition to MP Tammy Lobato and was rewarded during the election campaign when it was announced that buses until at least 9pm every day of the week – even Christmas day – would be a feature of bus route 695, which covers Belgrave to Gembrook.
Michael was pleased with the success of his campaign. He said that while organising the petition he had had plenty of support from the community
“It is a service that is badly needed,” he said.
