![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/GymAssembly-2_08053.jpg\")
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One of the most significant local wins delivered through this year’s Budget was funding for a new cross-Bellarine bus service connecting Drysdale and Ocean Grove, changing the way locals and visitors travel across our region.<\/p>\n
This follows years of community advocacy and builds on the recent Bellarine Bus Review.<\/p>\n
While there is more work to do, this is an important first step and a significant local win.<\/p>\n
I have never been interested in politics for politics’ sake. I’m interested in caring for our community and delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives.<\/p>\n
Through this year’s Budget, that includes:<\/p>\n
20 per cent off car registration<\/p>\n
Free public transport until the end of May<\/p>\n
Half-price public transport for the rest of 2026<\/p>\n
Funding to support the Portarlington ferry<\/p>\n
Improving pedestrian safety, including new pedestrian crossings<\/p>\n
Funding early intervention programs to help stop crime before it starts<\/p>\n
Strengthening palliative care services in Geelong<\/p>\n
Expanding specialist services at Geelong’s Children’s Emergency Department<\/p>\n
Funding to improve paediatric planned surgery and specialist services<\/p>\n
Expanding funding for public IVF<\/p>\n
I want to thank everyone across the Bellarine who continues to advocate so passionately for their local community.<\/p>\n
There is always more work to do, and I look forward to continuing that work with you.<\/p>\n
Alison Marchant is the Labor member for Bellarine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MEMBER for Bellarine The day-to-day reality of being a local Member of Parliament doesn’t always make headlines or appear on social media. For me, it’s not about speeches in the chamber or the political theatre you see on the news. It’s about the steady, persistent work behind the scenes to deliver real outcomes for our […]<\/p>\n