By JOLENE OGLE
THE issue of bus route 628 using Creek Road, Wylah Street and Swan Street is “not over” according to Noosa Councillor Frank Pardon who said he wanted to hear from the locals.
Last week Noosa Today reported the petition presented to parliament to have the buses stopped was rejected by the Minister for Transport and Member for Noosa Glen Elmes said the “matter was closed”.
Noosa Today also reported 25 of the 146 signatories to the petition were from Creek Road, 11 of whom are not registered on the electoral roll, while there were no signatories from Swan and Wylah Streets.
Cr Pardon said media reports about the bus route issue are not a “reflection” of his experience in talking to locals.
“My experience from speaking with the locals is the exact opposite,” he said.
“I know from talking with people that they don’t want the bus to go down their street.”
There are no bus stops on Creek Road, but along with Wylah Street and Swan Street, the roads are used as a turnaround for bus service 628 as it travels to the retirement village on Lake Weyba Drive.
The petition presented to parliament by Mr Elmes demanded the buses stop using the roads, but Cr Pardon said another solution needed to be found so the residents of the retirement village could continue to access public transport.
“One of my election promises was to fight for this issue,” Cr Pardon said.
“And I plan to stick by that. But, if the residents tell me they don’t mind the buses and they want it left as is, then I will walk away.”
Cr Pardon is urging any local residents of the affected area to phone or email him to share their opinion – phone 5329 6102 or email frank.pardon@noosa.qld.gov.au.
