JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - WALGETT TO BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED ACCESS TO TRANSPORT

The Minns Labor Government will provide the Walgett community with access to a flexible, door to door bus service as part of efforts to improve transport services for regional and remote communities.

Starting in April, experienced regional transport provider, LiveBetter, will operate the Walgett Wheels pre-booked bus service for three days a week in Walgett and the neighbouring Aboriginal communities of Gingie and Namoi.

Introduced after Transport for NSW carried out extensive consultation with the local community, Walgett Wheels will deliver a safe and reliable means of transport at an affordable price in an area that has no other local transport options in and around the town. 

The 12-month trial will be funded by a NSW Government Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) program grant which supports initiatives to improve services and outcomes for transport disadvantaged rural and regional communities. 

The 10-seat Walgett Wheels bus service will run from 8.30am to 2pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. 

One-way fares start at $2.30 for adults and $1.15 for children or concession card holders, while pensioners can take advantage of an all-day Regional Excursion Daily (RED) ticket for the service, for just $2.50 per day. 

Bookings must be made prior to boarding the service and can be made by calling 02 6391 2453.

In addition to public transport benefits, the trial will also create a new employment opportunity in the area as LiveBetter recruit a bus driver and operator to run the service. The job advertisement can be found here.

Further information about the Walgett Wheels bus service can be found at  https://livebetter.org.au/other-services/regional-transport-services/community-transport/

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:

“This new service will ensure affordable access to local shopping, social activities, medical facilities, sporting events and employment opportunities while connecting the community with other transport services.

“Isolated communities are hindered socially and economically by a lack of transport availability and the Minns Labor Government is determined to address this.

“By investigating and investing in new potential transport options like Walgett Wheels, we are opening up opportunities for the community and working to close the transport disadvantage gap.

LiveBetter CEO, Natalie Forsyth-Stock, said:

“We are thrilled to expand our transport offering to provide more affordable and reliable public transport options to residents in Walgett and surrounds.

"The Walgett Wheels service will complement LiveBetter’s existing Lightning Ridge Community Transport service, which already covers a broad area within the Walgett LGA, but not the township itself.

“We’re excited to bring this service to life and to continue our mission of supporting people to live and thrive in their chosen communities.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“I’m pleased to see Walgett residents have been heard and the NSW Government is delivering a new trial service to provide more transport options.

“In regional areas we just don't have the transit systems people expect on the coast or major centres.

“I encourage all residents who can benefit to take advantage of this new and very affordable trial service which will help reduce isolation and get more people moving around the local community.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“This is a very exciting initiative.

“The connectivity this service will provide at affordable rates will allow fuller participation in a range of community activities and daily life activities for residents in Walgett and these surrounding communities."

MEDIA: Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540