Some school bus services in North Queensland were affected by last week’s Cyclone Yasi – Transport Minister advises
February 7, 2011
Cyclone Yasi has disrupted some school bus services in north Queensland and parents are being urged to check with local operators before sending their children to school.
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan says the Queensland Government is working closely with school bus operators and Education Queensland to revise routes where necessary to ensure services are available to as many students as possible.
“Significant damage to roads, bridges and schools has forced the closure of some routes in north Queensland following Tropical Cyclone Yasi,” Nolan says.
“There are also diversions in place along some routes and I would encourage parents to check with their local bus operators on which services are available.
“Some operators are still experiencing telecommunications problems, so please be patient when trying to make contact.”
Nolan says a number of school bus operators also had their fleets impacted.
“My department is working hard to have all school bus services up and running as soon as possible,” she says.
“It’s vital that we get students back to school and settled with as little disruption as possible.
“Mums and Dads in cyclone-affected areas also need that assurance that their children can get safely to and from school while they continue with the heart-breaking work of getting their lives back to normal.”
Some schools remain closed and parents should check with the Department of Education and Training (DET) for information.
Any students who are assisted under the School Transport Assistance Scheme and now need to attend their school from another location should contact the local Transport and Main Roads office if the new residence is not near their usual bus service.
All efforts will be made to facilitate alternative arrangements without loss of assistance benefits.
Further information about the School Transport Assistance Scheme is available at the department’s website www.tmr.qld.gov.au./schooltransport.