Let’s GET Connected Gippsland East Transport

Project

Presented byRhonda 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

Vline Map

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

What we are Doing…

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

THANK YOU