Important Bus Service Through Boorowa To Continue

The number of Hilltops residents travelling to Canberra on the Wyangala to Canberra bus every Friday has grown steadily.

So much so, that Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has extensively lobbied to ensure the Regional Roads Minister fully understood the importance of robust transport networks for the safety and convenience of community members.

Efforts have paid off, and Ms Cooke has confirmed that the Wyangala to Canberra bus service trialled for the past four years has been continued for another 12 months.

“Back in 2020, the Coalition recognised the need to provide our more isolated communities with greater access and connection to vital services in larger centres, and committed to a four-year trial which has now been extended a further 12 months,” Ms Cooke said.

“Demand for this service has been strong, with bookings for the weekly Friday trip that travels via Darbys Falls, Cowra, Koorawatha, Bendick Murrell, Murringo, and Boorowa, growing all the time. Prior to last month’s State budget, I called on the government to invest in the safety and connectivity of our local towns and villages, so I’m certainly pleased that we’ve been able to secure a share of the overall funding commitment for regional transport and roads.”

“While I certainly appreciate the news the service will continue in the short-term, I would have liked to have seen a commitment beyond the 12 months, and I will be making that clear to the Minister.”

Ms Cooke said the service, operated by LiveBetter community services, had made simple tasks so much easier for those who have difficulty moving around.

“What people in larger centres perhaps don’t appreciate is how difficult it can be to overcome the tyranny of distance in rural and regional areas, where public transport is not always an option,” Ms Cooke said. “So this is a game-changer for those who would otherwise have difficulties in getting to important medical appointments, buying groceries, or staying connected to family and friends in outlying towns.”

Bookings for the service are essential - just phone LiveBetter Cowra at 6340 1100 or 0437 8962 634 between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday. Concession fares are also available, including a $2.50 RED ticket.

• Topics:

• Community
• Transportation