Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

On behalf of the City of Greater Geelong, I welcome today’s Labor Party commitment to increase public transport services between Geelong and Bannockburn. It is a step in the right direction, helping more people access jobs, education, services and opportunities. I also continue to await the final outcomes of the Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Bannockburn Bus Network Review by the Department of Transport and Planning, which I trust will support increased scheduling.

However, buses alone will not meet the long-term transport needs of our fastest-growing areas. Our advocacy remains firmly focused on delivering passenger rail to Bannockburn, reinstating the direct train service to Melbourne via Werribee, and progressing the Armstrong Creek Spur.

These projects would get more vehicles off roads that are already buckling under increasing congestion. They would also make better use of existing transport corridors and infrastructure, while providing more reliable, efficient and sustainable connections for residents.

Improving transport for Greater Geelong is a hallmark priority for 2026, and Council will continue to advocate for our region in the lead-up to the Victorian state election and beyond.