Access to reliable public transport should not be a privilege reserved for major cities. In Mount Gambier and across the Limestone Coast, too many people are being left isolated because they cannot drive, cannot afford private transport, or struggle to walk long distances due to age, disability, injury, or health conditions. Terra Australis believes every Australian deserves the ability to move safely, independently, and with dignity within their own community.
For many residents, the lack of accessible and reliable transport creates daily barriers that affect employment, education, healthcare, shopping, and social connection. Elderly Australians, people living with disabilities, injured workers, single parents, and young people without access to a vehicle are often forced to rely on limited services that fail to meet the growing needs of the community. This isolation contributes to declining quality of life, reduced independence, and increased pressure on families and carers.
Terra Australis is committed to building a stronger, more accessible, and more reliable regional public transport system for Mount Gambier and surrounding communities. We believe regional Australians deserve practical transport solutions that allow people to remain connected, active, and supported regardless of age or physical ability.
Our pledge to improve public transport includes:
Expanding local bus services across Mount Gambier and nearby communities
Increasing service frequency to reduce long wait times and unreliable scheduling
Improving accessibility for elderly residents and Australians living with disabilities
Introducing more seating, sheltered stops, and safe waiting areas throughout the region
Supporting community shuttle services for medical appointments and essential travel
Improving transport links between residential areas, shopping centres, hospitals, and public services
Upgrading buses and transport infrastructure to better accommodate wheelchairs, mobility aids, and prams
Developing safer pedestrian access to transport hubs and bus stops
Exploring affordable regional transport initiatives for low-income residents
Investing in long-term transport planning to support future population growth
Public transport is not simply about moving people from one place to another — it is about restoring independence and strengthening community participation. A reliable transport network allows elderly Australians to attend appointments without relying entirely on family members, helps people with disabilities maintain greater freedom, and ensures residents without access to a vehicle are not cut off from employment or essential services.
Stronger transport infrastructure also improves community safety and economic participation. Better transport means more people can access jobs, education, local businesses, healthcare, and recreational activities. It reduces social isolation, supports mental wellbeing, and creates a more connected and functional regional community.
Terra Australis also believes infrastructure investment should prioritise practical outcomes over political announcements. Too often, regional communities are promised improvements that never arrive while urban centres continue receiving the majority of government funding. Mount Gambier deserves infrastructure investment that reflects the importance of the region and the needs of the people who live here every day.
We support a balanced transport strategy that works alongside improved roads and pedestrian infrastructure to create a safer and more accessible community for everyone. This includes better footpaths, safer crossings, improved lighting around transport stops, and infrastructure designed with elderly Australians and people with mobility challenges in mind. Public transport should work for ordinary Australians — not against them.
Terra Australis is committed to ensuring nobody in Mount Gambier is left behind simply because they cannot drive or walk long distances. We believe a stronger community is one where every person has the freedom to participate in daily life, access essential services, and remain connected to the people and places around them. By investing in better regional transport today, we help build a more inclusive, independent, and united future for the Limestone Coast.