People on the Bellarine Peninsula rely on local buses every day to get to work, school, appointments and to stay connected with family and friends. They deserve a network that keeps pace with their lives.

That’s why the Allan Labor Government is inviting locals to help shape the future of bus services across the Bellarine and the Greater Geelong region.

Community consultation opens on Tuesday 3 March and runs until Sunday 12 April.

As our region grows, so too must our transport network. This review will look closely at how services can better reflect changing travel patterns, growing suburbs and emerging employment areas, while identifying priority improvements for the years ahead.

The review delivers on funding secured in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 to strengthen public transport across regional Victoria. It also builds on the introduction of free public transport for Victorians under 18, easing cost-of-living pressures for families and making it easier for young people to stay connected.

On the Bellarine we’ve invested in the Portarlington Ferry, supporting residents travelling to and from Docklands and in March, a new bus service connecting Lara Station to Avalon Airport and the surrounding employment precinct will commence, providing a practical new option for workers and travellers across the region.

Now, it’s time to focus on strengthening local bus connections across the Bellarine to ensure smoother links between towns, schools and workplaces and we want to hear directly from the community.

Bellarine residents can have their say online or at pop-up sessions across the Peninsula throughout March. More information is available at www.alisonmarchantmp.com.au/projects/bellarine-bus-review

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“As the Bellarine continues to grow, it’s important our transport network grows with it. I encourage residents to take part in this review and share their experiences, helping us shape a stronger and more accessible system for our region.”