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I would like to clarify the council brief in the Moree Champion, Thursday, April 17, 2014.
The article suggests that Moree Plains Shire Council have ‘picked up the tab of on what the State Government left behind’ contributing to the running of the Tulloona Public School bus.
Council’s $3000 contribution, while commendable, is not picking up the annual $120,000 cost the Department of Transport allocated to the Tulloona bus run.
This is a miscalculation of gateway proportions.
Previously the 120-kilometre twice daily run was for four children, not 47 incorrectly reported.
The whole school enrolment is five students, however the school will not be closing.
The four children currently travelling on the bus is below the threshold to be considered economically viable, however my office has been working closely with the school to try and come up with solutions so that our small rural schools such as Tulloona remain viable.
Families affected have known the situation for some time and now have the option of accessing the car conveyance subsidy, operated by NSW Transport.
I commend the fundraising effort by the Tulloona community and their desire to purchase a bus for the community.
Kevin Humphries MP
Member for Barwon