Beach bus needs Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and WA Government backing to meet crucial gap: d’Ath

A local businesswoman is trying to get a vital service up and running for this summer, and has chided authorities for showing no interest to help.

Former Chamber of Commerce president Melissa d’Ath said feedback prior to October’s council election revealed long-running frustration among residents about beach access, and that it was time to reconsider a coastal bus service.

“With such a strong call from the community for this, I am disappointed in the Shire and council’s lack of interest to support or take the lead on this project,” she said.

“I have been in contact with various departments and Shire staff and have had little response.

“I understand that public transport does not fall under local government, but if we are not proactive, how does the State Government even know there is a need for it?”

Margaret River Lions had tipped in $5000 and Ms d’Ath had set up a GoFundMe for residents to get involved which needed $15,000.

But it looked increasingly likely the service wouldn’t start this summer unless residents pledged their support – even with South West Taxis ready to run it.

Ms d’Ath failed to win a council seat in October, but told the Times she was undeterred in helping the community.

She was frustrated residents had to go it alone when the Shire’s own consultation showed beach access and public transport were concerns.

“It is something that has been earmarked as a priority for the community,” she said.

“It has become increasingly frustrating finding a car park anywhere in Prevelly over summer.

“This initiative would not only increase beach access to community members who don’t have a vehicle, it would also alleviate some of the pressure on traffic and car parking.”

The Shire last month said a beach bus was not core business, and new sustainable economy and communities director Nick Byrne reiterated that view.

“Public transport is a State Government responsibility,” he said.

“For the Shire to subsidise a service, it would be an additional cost to ratepayers and at this stage council has no plans to do this.

“We wish Ms d’Ath the very best with her pilot and have invited her to work with our officers in the New Year to explore how the Shire might be able to support potential transport initiatives.”

South West Taxis owner Craig Smith-Gander said after taking over Margaret River Taxis in April, he now saw “how poorly serviced the area is by any form of public transport”.

“We are commencing early in the New Year a weekend night-time service between Margaret River, Prevelly and Gnarabup having identified a crucial need for this service,” he said.

“Likewise, a school holiday day-time service is equally necessary.”

Problems at Gnarabup were well known, Mr Smith-Gander said, and groups such as Margaret River Surf Life Saving had received scant help to fix transport and parking challenges in their booming Nippers lifesaving program.

Margaret River Business Network president Rob Gough said the worthy project would offset vehicle pressure as well as carbon emissions.

“The benefits would be far reaching and worthy of broader government support, especially during peak tourist season,” he said.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/margaret-river-beach-bus-pilot.