Thank you Chair.
I rise to speak about the introduction of the Personalised Public Transport Service for Bellbowrie and Moggill in the Pullenvale Ward.
In doing so, I want to thank the Schrinner administration for listening to my community and responding through the provision of this trial service.
The need for additional public transport services, particularly in the western part of my Ward, was identified in a survey undertaken by Council late last year and was reinforced to me often in the lead-up to this year’s Council election.
As we know, where bus services go and when are determined by the State Government, so having them see reason can often be a challenge.
Upon my election and subsequent appointment to the Public and Active Transport Committee, I discussed the findings of this survey with my colleague and Chair, Cr. Murphy and I want to also acknowledge his role in helping deliver this PPT for my community.
Prior to its introduction two weeks ago, and in conjunction with Council officers, we undertook a “road tour” of parts of the Ward to promote the PPT.
This included an information forum at the Sugarwood Grove Villas at Bellbowrie where a packed house of residents enthusiastically embraced the initiative.
It was an appropriate venue, given those who lobbied me hardest for this were Sugarwood residents, Shirley McLeod and Peter and Julie Murray.
The residents appreciate having access to a $1 hail and ride maxi-taxi that can take them to the Bellbowrie Shopping Centre and local doctors surgery, or connect to the 444 service if they want to go to Kenmore, Indooroopilly or even the CBD or Southbank for a day out.
Mr. Chair, I would also like to acknowledge Council’s Transport for Brisbane team under the leadership of Dr. Greg Spelman who responded to feedback from residents and tweaked the route to ensure Sugarwood residents could be picked up, literally at their front door.
The early reaction to the Bellbowrie Moggill PPT has been very encouraging. But this is a trial and how well it is used over the coming nine months will ultimately determine its future.
Should it continue, we will take on board local community feedback and see if it’s possible to provide a couple of extra runs in the middle of the day and add a stop at the new Moggill Shopping Centre which is due to open in July next year.
But for now, our most immediate challenge is for Bellbowrie / Moggill to become a permanent fixture in the Pullenvale Ward, and then ultimately ensure it becomes as popular as the neighbouring Karana Downs PPT service.
My message to the Bellbowrie and Moggill communities is the same today as it was when it was announced and that’s “use it because we don’t want to lose it”.
Thank you.