Current situation
- Primrose Sands currently has only two bus services per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to and from Sorell. The service departs Primrose Sands at 9:30am and returns from Sorell at 2:00pm.
- According to the Tasmania State Growth government website (link here), Primrose Sands is listed as having a population of less than 500, and this figure is used to justify the absence of a daily commuter bus service. At the 2021 Census, Primrose Sands had 1,209 residents, with numbers likely higher in 2026.
- Residents report that the population of Primrose Sands is growing, with more families moving into the area and holiday homes replaced by permanent residences.
- The Tasmanian Government has contracted Area Connect to deliver regional public transport services to remote communities with relatively small populations
- The state government has also introduced half price public transport fares, which are currently in place until July 2026 and include the Area connect services.
The issue
- As the population of Primrose Sands increases, local infrastructure and services need to keep pace with rising demand.
- The state government is relying on incorrect population data for Primrose Sands, which is being used to justify an inadequate level of bus services.
- Public transport services for Primrose Sands are contracted to a for profit private operator.
My plan
- Council will fund and conduct a community survey to determine the level of demand for additional bus services to and from Primrose Sands. The survey will be distributed both online and through a letterbox drop to ensure broad participation.
- Two public meetings will be held in Primrose Sands to allow residents to discuss the issue directly, share lived experiences, make suggestions, and provide feedback.
- Survey results and community feedback will be collated into a formal proposal and submitted to the state government, clearly outlining what residents want and need.
- Advocate for half price public transport fares to be made permanent, ie, beyond June 2026.
- Advocate for essential services such as public transport to be delivered by the government, rather than for profit private companies.
The benefits
- More frequent bus services would improve access to employment, education, health appointments and essential services for residents who do not have reliable access to a car.
- Improved bus services would reduce social isolation, particularly for older residents and young people who currently have very limited options for independent travel.
- Better public transport would support population growth by making Primrose Sands a more liveable and attractive place for permanent residents.
- Accurate population data combined with community led evidence would support fairer state government decision making and ensure services are aligned with real demand.
- Making half price fares permanent would ease cost of living pressures for families, seniors, students and low income residents.
- Government run public transport services would prioritise community need over profit, delivering better value for taxpayers and more reliable services for residents.
- Strong advocacy supported by surveys and public meetings would empower the Primrose Sands community and ensure residents have a direct voice in decisions that affect their daily lives.