Review targets Bellarine bus gaps

BUS services across the Bellarine Peninsula are under review, as the state government opens consultation on how the network should adapt to the region’s continued growth.

Community consultation opened this week and will run until 12 April, with residents invited to share their experiences and identity gaps in local connections between towns, schools, workplaces and key services.

The review has been funded in the 2025-26 Victorian budget and follows sustained advocacy from Bellarine MP Alison Marchant, who says better public transport connectivity has been one of the most consistently raised issues in the community.

She said the lack of a cross-Bellarine service linking towns directly continued to limit access to work, education and medical appointments.

“As the Bellarine continues to grow, it’s important our transport network grows with it,” Marchant said.

“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.”

Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, said the review would guide future investment in regional bus services.

The feedback received will help identify improvements to bus routes, timetables and the overall travel experience.

“Regional communities deserve bus services that keep up with how they live, work and travel today,” Williams said.

“This is about listening to locals and building a bus network that works better for Geelong and the Bellarine.”

The bus service review will also encompass Geelong and Bannockburn.

To have your say, head to engage.vic.gov.au/geelong-bus