NEW locations for a hub for bus commuters in central Bendigo will be investigated following a meeting between CBD traders, the City of Greater Bendigo and the Department of Infrastructure yesterday.
The meeting followed calls by councillors at Wednesday night’s council meeting for any plans to create a central hub for buses in Mitchell to be scrapped.
Councillor Waynge Gregson moved a notice of motion calling for the planning process to start again.
The motion followed two weeks of outrage from traders, who discovered by chance their streetscape was to become a hub for bus commuters and all bus stops in the central business district would be outside their shopfronts. Councillor Gregson’s motion was:
• That this council halt immediately all and any plans concerning public transport and traffic infrastructure changes in Mitchell Street between Queen and Hargreaves streets and in adjacent streets;
• That all planning and work on this project be delayed pending consultation and communication with all stakeholders;
• That a meeting be convened between the mayor, chief executive officer and Alan Gladman from the Department of Infrastructure to organise a consultation forum with key stakeholders.
A council spokesperson said yesterday’s meeting opened the dialogue between stakeholders.
 Tweed Sutherland First National director Keith Sutherland, who vowed to fight the move as high and as hard as was needed, was pleased with the outcome.
“Everybody went in with positive intentions,” he said.
“Everyone is genuinely interested in finding the best outcome.
“If there are other options, let’s talk about it.”
Doug Clarkson of Country Cakes agreed.
While he acknowleged there would be some effect on his business when the new bus timetable comes into effect on April 28, when bus stops will relocate from Hargreaves Street into Mitchell Street, he believes all stakeholders will now be given a voice on what should be a better long term solution.