QCOSS and Medicare Local Forum 8 May 2013

Total Area: 9,618km 2 Total population (2011): 365,638 (community of communities) Suburbs: 197 Postcodes: 33 full & 10 partial Number of Medical Practices: 110 Number of GPs: 409 (both p/t & f/t) Hospitals (within WMOML): Boonah Hospital (public) Esk Hospital (public) Gatton Hospital (public) Ipswich General Hospital (public) Laidley Hospital (public) St Andrews Ipswich Private Hospital (private) Mix of rural and high density living – aged persons in rural areas; young families in urban areas; Rapid growth in population - 52% in next 15 yrs High prevalence of chronic disease – asthma, diabetes, circulatory system diseases Health risk factors – obesity, smoking, harmful use of alcohol) West Moreton-Oxley Medicare Local Region

Background Regional Communities Transport Solutions Initiative WMOML Community Advisory Group research identified the need for a regional community transport solution as a priority goal for 2012 – 2013 Transport consistently raised as a concern by rural and regional communities and service providers impacting on access to primary health care, community support services, employment, education, social, sporting and recreational pursuits

Background Regional Communities Transport Solutions Initiative Key stakeholders confirmed the need for leadership to develop an appropriate, coordinated transport response and recognized that local responses were not meeting demand - a ‘whole of region’ approach was required Independent research confirmed best practice service delivery to be: community driven; evidence based; technology and resource efficient; sustainable; accessible and integrated

Goal To coordinate the implementation of an accessible, affordable, reliable and sustainable region wide transport service for disadvantaged members of the community within the Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim regions Regional Communities Transport Solutions Initiative

Partnership Arrangements WMOML – Project Leader and Funds Manager Community Advisory Group – Steering Group Project Management Group – WMOML, Ipswich City Council, Mission Australia Project Partners – West Moreton Hospital and Health Service; Lockyer Valley RC, Somerset RC; DEEWR; Ipswich Hospital Foundation; Regional Development Australia Regional Communities Transport Solutions Initiative

Dec 2012 WMOML CAG identify Community Transport as a Key Priority for 2012 – 2013 Minister Plibersek and Councillor Neumann briefed by VIP Transport re concerns in Somerset region Ipswich City Council meet with WMOML re Community Engagement – Community Transport is discussed “ Transport – Everyone’s Concern, No-ones Business” workshop 1 held Workshop 2 held in Ipswich with key partners. Call to action endorsed. DEEWR express interest in collaboration for a transport solution in Logan and Ipswich regions CEO WMOML seeks financial commitment and in kind contribution from Project Partners WMOML commits funds for scoping study in partnership with ICC and Mission Australia ConNetica consulting presents proposal for Inala, Goodna & Ipswich corridor Progress report presented to WMOML CAG Nov 2012 Oct 2012 Sept 2012 Aug 2012 WMOML draft Regional Transport plan developed Mission Australia commits funds to support scoping study Timeline of Activity and Events – Identification of issues & stakeholder engagement

April 2013 Decision to expand scope to include whole of region. 4 phased approach endorsed. Project Management team established. Workshop 3 rescheduled due to regional flood recovery responses Consumer online surveys developed and reviewed Progress report to WMOML CAG Meeting with DEEWR to discuss transport initiatives Workshop on Wheels Workshop – visit to Comlink Mobility Mangement Service, Sunshine Coast Progress report to WMOML CAG Consumer surveys distributed to networks Transport Provider Survey developed and endorsed Briefing to CEO WMOML and Shayne Neumann, Federal Member for Blair RCTSI Management Team Planning Meeting Ongoing independent research conducted Briefing note and progress report sent to Project Partners DEEWR contributes $20,000 towards WMOL/Logan scoping study Workshop on Wheels rescheduled due to regional flooding March 2013 Feb 2013 Jan 2013 Timeline of Activity and Events Project planning and implementation

Key Learnings Community transport solutions need to take account of different needs, priorities and aspirations Need for a whole of community approach to improving access Need to build on existing knowledge and services, grass roots intelligence and lessons learnt rather than commission new research and new services Need for greater coordination and collaboration between existing providers – inefficient use of available infrastructure and resources Need to introduce a community transport solution which does not compete with, but rather facilitates access to, existing transport providers Providing transport to health and community services does not replace the need to increase the presence of these services in rural communities Regional Communities Transport Solutions Initiative

A regional solution will demand collaboration between all stakeholders, across regional council boundaries and a long term investment of finances, human resources, IT and in kind contribution A centralised, coordinated point of contact is likely to deliver the best outcome for the region Need to overcome regulatory, insurance and policy barriers Community transport responses need to be supported by a well managed and well resourced volunteer base Any transport solutions need to be efficient and accountable with strong governance and effective management Key Learnings Regional Communities Transport Solutions Initiative

Maintaining project momentum and the commitment of Project Partners Engaging diverse communities of interest Sourcing the funds required to commission a mobility transport management service to deliver the RCTSI within West Moreton-Oxley Ongoing project and funds management and coordination Monitoring and evaluation Sustaining a long term viable, cost effective service aligned to changing community need Challenges Regional Communities Transport Solutions Initiative

Consumer survey distribution – progress, barriers, data analysis Engaging with transport providers Conduct of focus groups Identifying point of contact with project partners Briefing to Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim Development of a business and funding model Next Steps Regional Communities Transport Solutions Initiative