Almost one thousand people have called for the Premier to step up and fix the train service debacle in Bundaberg.
The Palaszczuk Labor Government has slashed the number of train services from Brisbane to Bundaberg, Maryborough and Hervey Bay and residents are furious.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett launched a petition two weeks ago that’s already gained over 950 signatures. *
The petition asks the House to do all in its power to ensure the replacement of each lost return train service with wheelchair accessible busses as a matter of urgency.
Mr Bennett said after three terms and eight years in office, the Palaszczuk Labor Government is no longer listening to Queenslanders.
“The Premier wouldn’t dream of cutting services and not putting on replacement busses in Brisbane, but clearly regional Queensland is not her priority,” he said.
“The recent announcement of an increase to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme is a huge slap in the face for us in Bundaberg and the Burnett.
“The big increase is… $10.
“That’s $10 to make up for having to pay for two extra nights’ accommodation in Brisbane, or a return taxi from Bargara to the train station because the trains no longer run when the busses are scheduled, or return flights to Brisbane because you can’t afford to lose a day in travel.
“How can the Member for Bundaberg seriously expect an 85-year-old woman with serious medical needs to find a hotel in Brisbane for $70?
“The State Labor Government’s chaos and crisis is costing us dearly; we deserve better.
“I will continue to fight for our region and our rights.”
* https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=3906
ENDS.
22/06/2023