160 likes | 311 Views
Let’s GET Connected Gippsland East Transport Project. Presented by Rhonda James Transport Coordinator East Gippsland Shire Council. Wellington Shire Transport Coordinator - Sheryl McHugh. Our Challenge in Gippsland East. Tyranny of Distance Low Density Population
E N D
Let’s GET Connected Gippsland East Transport Project Presented by Rhonda James Transport Coordinator East Gippsland Shire Council Wellington Shire Transport Coordinator - Sheryl McHugh
Our Challenge in Gippsland East • Tyranny of Distance • Low Density Population • Lack of Transport Infrastructure • Different Local Government structure • Ageing Population • Fare Structures • Rural and Remote Isolation • Outside the ‘commuter’ belt • Car dependant culture • Viability of Services • Impact of Multi PurposeTaxi Card cutbacks
Project Objectives… ·Develop a clearer understanding of community transport needs ·Engage with local communities and key stakeholders and develop strong partnerships ·Develop an evidence base about access and mobility needs ·Facilitate the development of a range of projects ·Develop integrated action research ·Practice good project governance
School Bus Initiatives • TAFE Access to School Bus Network • Permission for Apprentices • Trialing Adult Passengers in Remote Areas • TAFE Access on Private School Buses • Activating “Dead” School Bus Runs • Extending School Bus Routes
Capacity Building • Community Building • Networking with Key Stakeholders • Building Relationships • Establishing Transport Networks • Setting up Project Working Groups • Value Adding to Existing Projects • Whole Government Approach
Statewide Demonstration Projects • Buchan Bus N Freight • Loch Sport Enhanced Bus Service • Low Floor Buses • Set Route, Set Fare Taxi Initiatives • Access to School Buses • Older Drivers Resource Kit
Community Transport Initiatives • Dargo Community Bus • Fulham Prison Transport Initiatives • Gippsland HACC Pilot Transport Strategy
Transport Advocacy • Local Governments Working Together • Community Awareness Video Project • Multi Purpose Taxi Program • TCP Statewide Working Groups • Multi Agency Project Team (MAPT) • Taxi Fare Review
Regulatory Barriers • Inquiry into Regulatory Barriers to Regional Economic Development • Exemptions under Disability Discrimination Act • Inflexible Contracts with School Bus Operators • Accreditation – “Bus Driver Licenses” • Special Vehicle Licenses • V/Line Replacement Services • Parcel & Post Services • Inflexible Taxi Regulations
Integrated Local Planning Incorporating Transport Strategies into: • Community Health Plans • Municipal Public Health Plans • Urban Design Frameworks • Wellington Shire Council Plan 2002 –2005 • Footpath and Bicycle Plans • East Gippsland Planning & Development Strategy • Primary Care Partnership Plans • East Gippsland Communities for Children – MoU • East Gippsland Early Years Plan • SEATS Transport Study
Barriers to Whole of Government Approach • Community Transport Policy Vacuum • Transport is not my ‘core business’ • Funding not streamlined • Lack of Coordination • Transport Silos • No Integrated Transport Planning Framework
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER • Develop an Integrated Transport Planning Framework for the Eastern corridor enabling all transport sector planning and delivery of services to come together - community & public transport • Advocate for better regional & rural transport infrastructure • Advocate for better transport services for people with disabilities • Department of Infrastructure - Regional Services Division • Advocate for a regional transport budget to enable transport trials in Gippsland East • Work together to free up regulatory barriers for more flexible transport initiatives in regional and rural Victoria