Article: Fears public transport on the Tableland could be delayed

[ozbob]

From the Cairns Post click here!

Fears public transport on the Tableland could be delayed

Fears public transport on the Tableland could be delayed

Nikki Taylor

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

© The Cairns Post

THE PUSH for a more comprehensive, accessible and reliable public transport system on the Tableland is drawing closer.

But there are fears bureaucratic delays could cause unnecessary roadblocks.

On February 28, 2012, the Tablelander reported on the completion of a feasibility study into the move.

The study was commissioned by Tablelands Regional Council in partnership with Blueprint for the Bush and the Tablelands Community Service Providers Group.

Last week Cr Rhonda Sorensen and John Russell from Community Services Tablelands joined other local representatives for a meeting with various government departments including Queensland Health, the Department of Communities and the Department of Transport.

"We have done the ground work and found the first step in making this happen is funding to employ a full time transport co-ordinator," Cr Sorensen said.

"All we need now is for these Departments to make the right decision and get on board."

Mr Russell they were asking for "peanuts" from the government bodies.

"The cost will be about $50,000-$60,000 a year for three years," he said.

"On the scale of things it is a tiny amount when you consider the enormous benefits a better transport system will have ... not just for this community but for these Departments as well."

Cr Sorensen said the TRC was "well and truly" behind the project.

"We just hope the State will be too," she said. "Really it is a very small amount of input for a massive gain which we hope will be given support from the entire government." Mr Russell said transport problems contributed to increased strain on all levels of government, community and commercial service providers and residents.

"Problems surrounding social isolation, the costs of hospital trips and just general access to shops and basic services could potentially be a thing of the past if this gets off the ground," he said.

See the feasibility study report at www.trc.qld.gov.au under the "my community link" in the public transport section or ph: 4043 4115.

[SteelPan]

State govt boffins delaying decisions - whoever heard of that.....