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Island Summer Bus Service Ending SoonLocal residents and visitors are encouraged to make use of the Phillip Island Summer Shuttle before the bus service stops operating on 31 January. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 16th January 2009 - Back to News Local residents and visitors are encouraged to make use of the Phillip Island Summer Shuttle before the bus service stops operating on 31 January.
The shuttle links townships and major attractions on Phillip Island, and has operated again this summer, following the success of the service last year.
Information on the number of passengers is collected weekly and Bass Coast Transport Connections Project (BCTCP) Community Facilitator, Tracy VanderZalm, said these figures would determine whether the service would run again next summer.
"The feedback we have received to date is that people value the Phillip Island Summer Shuttle and there are already a number of requests to have it operating again next summer," Mrs VanderZalm said.
"Future funding for the program relies on people using the service so we’re encouraging passengers to continue using the shuttle to ensure it is funded in December 2009."
The service includes two loops of the Island – between Cowes and San Remo and Cowes and Ventnor visiting the tourist attractions such as the Koala Reserve, Phillip Island Race Circuit and The Nobbies.
However, Mrs VanderZalm said the service was not restricted to these stops.
"The bus operator, Cleeland Bus Lines, is very flexible and the driver realises some people have special needs," she explained.
"The driver is happy to drop-off and pick-up at various bus stops along the designated route if it makes life easier for the passenger and the experience more enjoyable.
"We recently had a request for the shuttle to stop at the Phillip Island Wildlife Park. This meant senior passengers or families with young children were not forced to walk some distance along the busy Phillip Island Tourist Road from the closest designated stop to the Park."
The major change to the service this summer is that it is not operating between Cowes and Rhyll.
"Patronage on this route last year was too low to justify it running again," explained Mrs VanderZalm.
The Cowes- San Remo service has also been reorganised to make it easier for people from San Remo and the townships on the Phillip Island Tourist Road to visit Cowes.
Last year almost 1,000 people used the service to access beaches, visit shops or just spend time with friends. Everyone is encouraged to use the service again this year as it will be a great help in increasing accessibility on Phillip Island.
"The shuttle is great value for money - a single fare for any trip on the Island is $2 for a full fare and $1 concession," said Mrs VanderZalm.
"The San Remo service leaves San Remo at 9am, noon and 3pm and Cowes at 11am, 2pm and 5pm, giving people plenty of time for their activities.
"If you use this service in combination with the existing services there are more choices for travelling," Mrs VanderZalm said.
The Ventnor loop service leaves Cowes at 10am, 1pm and 4pm taking an hour for the round trip back to Cowes.
The service will operate seven days a week until Saturday 31 January 2009 and uses V/Line and selected local bus stops along the route.
The Bass Coast Summer Service between Inverloch, Cape Paterson, Wonthaggi and Cowes is also operating this year until 31 January.
Both services have a trailer available to carry surfboards, prams and bikes.
Timetables and fares for both services are available from ouncil’s Customer Service and Visitor Information Centres, or by contacting Metlink on 131 638.
Information is also available on Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au.
If you have any comments about either of these services, you can email Bass Coast Transport Connections at transportconnections@basscoat.vic.gov.au. Feedback will be collated as part of the evaluation process.
The Phillip Island Summer Shuttle is funded by the Department of Transport’s Flexible Fund for the Bass Coast Transport Connections Project,
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026. - Baw Baw Employment Expo returns October 2025, showcasing local jobs, training, networking and career opportunities
The Baw Baw Employment Expo returns 16 October 2025, offering free access to local job opportunities, training, networking, resume support, and career advice for job seekers and businesses. - Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions. - Offshore Theatre celebrates 30 Years with award-winning ‘Speaking in Tongues’ at Berninneit on 17 May 2026
Phillip Island’s Offshore Theatre presents AWGIE-winning Speaking in Tongues, exploring love, betrayal, and human connections. The 2026 Berninneit season celebrates 30 years, opening May 14 with special events. - East Gippsland hosts first Creative Summit, celebrating local artists, culture, community and future creativity on 28 March 2026
East Gippsland’s first Creative Summit on 28 March brings artists, performers, and creatives together to celebrate talent, connect communities, showcase projects, and shape the region’s cultural future through IMMERSIVE programs. - TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena showcases South Gippsland local artists’ work, open Fridays to Mondays until 20 April 2026
TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena at Coal Creek showcases works by local artists across print, photography and film, open Friday to Monday and daily during school holidays until April 20. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Yarragon’s $3.9M Dowton Park Pavilion progressing, boosting local sport, community facilities and infrastructure by March 2026
Construction of Yarragon’s $3.9 million Dowton Park pavilion is progressing well, with steel framing, utilities, and key facilities underway, set for completion and community use by March 2026. - Sardine dining in Bairnsdale showcases fresh local seafood with chef Mark Briggs’ expert touch
SARDINE Dining in Bairnsdale, led by chef Mark Briggs, serves expertly sourced Lakes Entrance seafood, refined dishes, and a stylish wine bar, earning six chef’s hats and drawing diners region-wide. - Baw Baw Shire Council first open community briefing, involving residents in flood mapping and fostering ongoing council-community dialogue
Baw Baw Shire Council held its first Open Community Briefing on flood mapping, engaging 17 residents in discussions and committing to ongoing transparent community engagement on key local issues. - Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers. - Danny O’Brien says retail theft in Gippsland South has risen over 70 percent recently, threatening local businesses
Retail theft in Gippsland has soared over 70%, hitting Wellington hardest, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien calling for stronger law enforcement to protect small businesses from rising crime. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community. - Heyfield Wetlands visitors can now refill bottles and provide water for dogs using new fountain
Heyfield Wetlands receives new drinking fountain, supporting community recreation, hydration, pets and Gippsland Water’s broader public refill network initiative. - Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season. - Baw Baw Council launches new emergency dashboard providing reliable, centralised local updates before, during and after emergencies
Baw Baw Council has launched a new Emergency Dashboard, providing residents with a single, reliable platform for real-time updates, warnings, and essential information before, during, and after emergencies on all devices. - Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare. - Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13. - South Gippsland Jobs Expo 2026 and other council project updates
South Gippsland Shire Council’s Summer 2026 update features the Jobs Expo, community events, road closures, Council meetings, sustainability workshops, youth initiatives, tenders, local festivals, and upcoming employment opportunities. - Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability. - East Gippsland Council seeks feedback to shape Stormwater Management Plan addressing local drainage, flooding and infrastructure challenges
East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a Stormwater Management Plan and invites community feedback to identify flooding, drainage issues, and practical solutions, helping plan safer, more resilient local infrastructure. - East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025. - Drouin’s Commercial Place precinct to get $1.1M upgrades, enhancing safety, accessibility, streetscape and supporting local businesses
Construction on Drouin’s $1.1 million Commercial Place precinct upgrade begins October 2025, improving safety, accessibility, streetscape, pedestrian crossings, laneways, lighting, greenery, and community usability, completing mid-2026. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to advance Nyora early childhood education centre, ensuring local families equitable kindergarten access
The Nationals urge the Allan government to partner with the Nyora community, enabling a local early childhood education centre for equitable, convenient kindergarten access for rural families. - Thurra river bridge finally reopens after five-year delay, fueling local frustration and renewed criticism
The Thurra River Bridge has reopened after five and a half years, prompting relief and anger, with MP Tim Bull criticising prolonged delays, economic impacts, and unfinished fire recovery projects across East Gippsland. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - East Gippsland Field Days celebrate agriculture, community spirit, innovation and local food security importance
The East Gippsland Field Days celebrate local agriculture, innovation, and community spirit, highlighting food and fibre production’s vital role while showcasing volunteer efforts and regional resilience for a sustainable future. - Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park wins 2025 Geographic Naming Award, celebrating local heritage and community contributions
Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park, still under construction, has won the 2025 Geographic Naming Award, recognising Mrs Malacarne lifelong contributions and the community-led naming process. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, offering 114km trails, boosting local tourism, recreation, and economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens Friday, featuring 114 km trails, community events, amenities, and safety measures, transforming the town into a year-round alpine adventure and tourism destination. - Yarram - Explore Heesco Town murals, vibrant street art, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local cuisine, and Gippsland heritage
Yarram, a charming Gippsland town, features over 25 Heesco murals, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local seafood, wineries, heritage sites, and the Great Southern Rail Trail. - Darren Chester prioritises national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fisheries, forestry and local industry resilience through strategy
New Shadow Minister Darren Chester will prioritise national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fishers, forestry, and local communities through strategic investments, policy reforms, and protection of prime agricultural land. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.
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