Ministerial Statement: Hinterland Connect bus service trail extended ...

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Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
18/06/2009

Hinterland Connect bus service trail extended for another year

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan announced in Parliament today that the Bligh Government, in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, would extend the trial of the Hinterland Connect bus service for a further 12 months from 1 July 2009.

"Since the Queensland Government introduced the Hinterland Connect trial service in December 2007, performance of the service has met key performance indicators and patronage has increased steadily," Ms Nolan said.

"So I am pleased to advise that we will extend the trial with funding to be provided on a 50-50 basis by the Queensland Government and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council at an estimated cost of $90,000," Ms Nolan said.

"Based on the success of this extended trial we will then investigate declaring the route part of the TransLink network and continue the service for this community."

Ms Nolan said community reaction from the trial had been positive and patronage had increased steadily since the trial's inception. In December 2007, the average weekly patronage was 1459 and in December 2008 the average weekly patronage had increased to 2251.

Ms Nolan said the Bligh Government was committed to the expansion of public transport throughout the state.

"As part of its Q2 Green targets the Bligh Government is committed to protecting our lifestyle and environment," Ms Nolan said.

"The economic, social and environmental benefits of public transport are assisting us to reach these targets and that's why this Government is enhancing services - such as the Hinterland Connect bus service - throughout the state."

Ms Nolan said the Queensland Government contributed around 70% of funding in the 2008/09 financial year towards this service.

Ms Nolan said she welcomed the contribution from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council towards the Hinterland Connect bus service and also called on other regional councils to contribute towards the funding of local public transport services.

The Hinterland Connect service operates 4 trips per day, 7 days per week between Nambour and Maleny.

The Queensland Government, through TransLink, is currently finalising the 2009/10 funding agreement with Council.

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