Shepparton seniors’ transport woes took centre stage at state parliament last week, highlighting urgent local concerns.
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell called on Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams to re-open the bus stop on Zurcas Lane just outside Harmony Retirement Village.
Previously, Shepparton’s Bus Route 7 travelled along Zurcas Lane, making a convenient stop right at the entrance of Harmony Retirement Village, where a purpose-built shelter still stands.
Village residents often used the bus stop for transport to town.
East Shepparton Bowls Club is also on Zurcas Lane, and members could catch the bus directly to the club entrance.
However, the bus stop was unexpectedly closed in May 2023.
Since the closure, elderly residents have had to walk nearly a kilometre to catch the bus at Shepparton Marketplace.
Those without access to Shepparton Marketplace’s secure gate face an even longer walk.
“For many retirees, the distance from Harmony Retirement Village to the Shepparton Marketplace bus stop is just too far for them to walk due to their age or infirmity,” Ms Lovell said.
“It’s also a struggle for bowls club members to carry a bag of bowls that far.”
With the purpose-built shelter and road markings still in place, the minister’s word could quickly restore this vital bus stop for the community.
“I urge the minister to re-open the bus stop outside Harmony Village in Zurcas Lane,” Ms Lovell said.