People from all parts of Central Victoria recently gathered at a workshop in Mount Alexander Shire to explore ideas for increasing transport accessibility and mobility in the region. The theme of the workshop was ‘making connections’: between people, organisations, transport services and ideas. Particular attention was focused on the potential to achieve better access to transport services by passengers, and better use of vehicles by transport operators, through coordination of services across the various transport modes.
The workshop attracted participants from the private, community and government sectors. This included bus and taxi operators and representatives of State and Local Government and community based organisations working in the fields of transport, health care, aged and disability services, education, youth and community services, volunteerism and environmental sustainability.
In welcoming participants, Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire, Councillor Jim Norris, referred to the importance of cooperation in the planning and delivery of transport. He recalled how Council, the local bus operator and other organisations with available vehicles had worked together to provide the community with transport services when the local taxi company ceased operating. Workshop facilitator, David Denmark, is a recognised expert in accessible transport planning and management. His presentation covered the concept of the Accessibility Gap and included innovative Australian examples of direct and indirect service delivery, service planning and coordination.
The examples ranged from the simple to the complex, and featured new ways of delivering transport services that are more efficient and responsive to passenger needs. It highlighted the increasingly thin line that exists between commercial transport operators and community transport as the former move into flexible and demand responsive services.
Following the presentation, participants applied the ideas raised to local issues and communities in the form of group activities and panel discussions.
The workshop was organised by members of the ‘Getting Around’ project. They work closely with community, government and private stakeholders to improve transport services in Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires. ‘Getting Around’ is funded by the Victorian Government’s Transport Connections program.
Getting Around Project Officer, Jenny Sitlington, said participants responded very positively to workshop activities and described David’s presentation as ‘exciting’ and ‘inspiring’.
“In giving people new ideas and encouraging them to think about transport issues and
