Northern Victoria Region
Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (14:03): (727) My constituency question is to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, and I ask the minister to investigate the feasibility of moving the bus stops located at the end of Hargreaves Mall to a more suitable location. If you live in Bendigo, you will know that the mall is struggling. Many shopfronts remain empty and more are closing their doors. Locals are also concerned about the increase in crime. It has been an ongoing challenge, and the local council is working on a three-year plan to revitalise the space and encourage a greater police presence in the area. Speaking with local businesses, it is evident that the bus stops located at the end of the mall and along Mitchell Street are causing issues. What was a Telstra shop on the corner now sits vacant as people waiting for buses crowd an already congested footpath. The Good Loaf has recently vacated the site of the old Beaurepaire building, shaped like a UFO, at the edge of town. A local business owner suggested relocating the bus stops from the mall to this site. The state government needs to take action to relocate the bus stops from Hargreaves Mall to a more suitable location so local businesses can thrive.