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

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