Council secures delay to Macs Cove bus stop closure

A short-term reprieve has been secured for the Macs Cove bus stop, with the Department of Transport (DTP) and Planning and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) agreeing to delay its closure until after the upcoming school holidays.

PTV had deemed the bus stop unsafe and moved to close it with immediate effect, citing safety concerns. Council was surprised and disappointed to learn of the closure given the very little notice provided. 

Council officers worked with DTP and PTV to secure an extension to the timeframe, allowing time to consult with the community and identify alternative options before residents are left without a service. The bus stop will now remain open until early October, when the school holiday period concludes.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie visited the area to hear directly from concerned community members and said connecting communities across the shire was a priority for Council. 

"We were surprised and disappointed to learn this bus stop was being removed with so little notice," Cr Rabie said.
"I visited the site myself to hear directly from the people who use this service and understand what it means for their daily lives.”

"Council had to take direct intervention and work with our partners in the regional offices of DTP to have our message heard. We met with Mansfield Secondary College and the school bus coordinator this week before working with the main offices of DTP and PTV, in this case, to get a solution that works for our community.
"Now, we have gained agreement to enable the Macs Cove community to be informed and engaged, ensuring everyone can move toward a solution that best fits our community." he said.

Council will engage with affected residents over the coming weeks to discuss the safety concerns raised and explore alternative transport arrangements.
More information on the consultation process including how residents can have their say will be shared in the coming days.