After two years of discussions between the City of Greater Bendigo, the Department of Transport and VicRoads, the BBC has released a statement supporting a proposal to use the Bendigo Railway Station as a transport interchange for suburban buses.

BBC executive officer Kevin de Vries said the organisation also believed Mitchell Street was the best route for buses, with bus stops introduced adjacent to Hargreaves Mall.

He acknowledged concerns of local retailers who believe they have been adversely affected by patrons waiting for buses at the current stops along Mitchell Street.

“The BBC believes that careful and clever design approaches can improve amenity for bus patrons, pedestrians and shoppers while minimising traffic congestion,” Mr de Vries said.

“Bus patrons and city businesses have been waiting on this infrastructure investment since changes to bus routes in April 2008.

“The sooner we get on with these changes the better.”

Mr de Vries also raised concerns over funding for the new transport plan.

“The BBC is concerned that $900,000 may be inadequate to address Mitchell Street’s infrastructure needs,” he said.

“We ask that sufficient funding is made available to ensure our vibrant growing regional city has a world-class, 21st-century transport solution.”

The BBC’s statement also calls for wider footpaths, regular cleaning, climate control and the installation of safety cameras and security call points.

“The city and the Department of Transport must work to not only address current amenity issues but also prepare for a further 30 to 40 per cent increase in CBD bus patrons from growing popularity of public transport and additional and more frequent services,” Mr de Vries said.

The BBC noted that a lack of “through routes” in the Bendigo CBD could have a negative impact on traffic congestion and said any works done should ensure the safety of bicycle riders was not compromised.

Initial concept plans were released mid last year but since then discussion and debate has centered on whether the railway station is an appropriate interchange and the impact of heavy vehicles in Mitchell Street.