The Department of Transport and Main Roads have issued a draft regional transport strategy document for public comment for the Bundaberg region. Comments close on Monday 11 November 2024.

The draft strategy endeavors to improve capacity and resilience of the regional transport network covering active and public transport, land management, freight management and parking demand.

While the draft document is a first step in enhancing transport management, substantial investment is needed on the following aspects:

• Public transport: Outer suburban centres (Moore Park Beach, Elliot Heads, Burnett Heads) and regional centres (Woodgate, Childers, Gin Gin) have few or zero public transport options for residents and visitors alike. The consequences of this are either social isolation, relocation to Bundaberg city (with the consequent strain on infrastructure and other services), Another major negative impact is the inability of tourists to cost effectively explore the region, resulting in lost opportunities to showcase the region.
• Long distance transport: The lack of long distance transport options impairs travel by residents to other centres for employment, study, holiday and medical opportunities. With only two airlines servicing one centre (Brisbane) at major, cost it dampers tourism and holiday travel. For long distance coach travel, opportunities are even less favorable – there is no coach terminal available for travelers to safely wait (the collection point is a bus shelter open to the elements), transit times are only available in the early morning. The consequence is that travelers (particularly backpackers, a key demographic for the fruit picking and related industries) will be encouraged to keep traveling to other locations. The only credible long distance transport option is long distance rail with multiple daily services supplement by regular through services to Cairns, Longreach and other major population centres.
• Integrated Ticketing: Despite promises since 2018 by successive ministers, integrated ticketing for local public transport is still yet to enter the planning phase, let alone achieving roll-out or active use. The consequence of this is potential passengers (particularly from South East Queensland) are put out by the current ticketing arrangements.

From a public transport perspective, the draft transport strategy is a missed opportunity to improve and enhance local, regional and state wide public transport options for Bundaberg region residents and visitors. The state election due on Saturday 26 October provides a unique opportunity for electors to challenge candidates to deliver for public transport for Bundaberg and surrounds.

Further information.

• Department of Transport and Main Roads. Bundaberg Integrated Transport Planning. Accessed October 1st 2024.
• Media Release Minister for Transport Main Roads and Mayor, Bundaberg Regional Council. Seeking Community Feedback on Transport Planning for Bundaberg. Accessed October 1st 2024.