Transport initiatives to help rural and remote communities get moving

Rural and remote communities are set to benefit from two Queensland Government initiatives designed to help establish local transport schemes.

Acting Communities Minister Kerry Shine and Local Government Association of Queensland president Paul Bell have announced the Community Based Transport (CBT) toolbox and guidelines, and the Rural Service Access Initiative.

The two measures are designed to improve accessibility to services for people with limited transport options.

Mr Shine said the CBT toolbox, which was developed jointly with the Local Government Association of Queensland, provided a reference point for local governments, organisations and individuals wanting to explore local transport options.

“In every community, there are individuals and groups for whom the private motor vehicle and mainstream public transport are not suitable or available options,” he said.

“The toolbox and guidelines are a practical, do-it-yourself kit designed for individual workers, groups and local councils who want to take a developmental approach to planning and implementing sustainable solutions to the transport needs of their own communities.”

Mr Bell said that state and local governments had to work together in partnership to solve transport issues in rural areas.

“While Queensland Transport remains the lead agency responsible for transport in the state, each sphere of government has a part to play in delivering transport solutions for rural communities,” he said.

“In many areas of the state, local government is attempting to meet the mobility needs of their residents and solve transport problems confronting their communities.

“The CBT toolbox and guidelines will help councils decide on the level and degree to which they need to get involved in developing transport options. The toolbox also offers some innovative ideas that might provide the spark to kick-start a scheme.”

Mr Shine said the $3 million Rural Service Access Initiative complemented the CBT toolbox by offering valuable funding assistance for rural and remote communities wishing to introduce local transport solutions.

He said grants of up to $150,000 over three years were on offer to help provide accessible transport in rural communities.

“The Rural Service Access Initiative will provide resources for local communities to set up and administer a coordinated transport scheme within their community or cluster of communities,” he said.

“It will improve accessibility to services for people with special needs, such as people with a disability, elderly people, young people or people with limited transport options.”

Mr Shine said that where possible, the focus of the funding was on supplementing coordinated schemes using existing vehicles and infrastructure.

“Possible examples are using a school bus for the broader community when it isn’t needed for the school run, or linking with a taxi service to help subsidise local travel for certain people in the community,” he said.

“The funding will enable communities to identify local transport obstacles and then consider a range of options that might suit their needs and capabilities.”

Rural Service Access Initiative grants will fund projects for up to three years, with payments made annually.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 26 March 2007.

The Rural Service Access Initiative is a component of the State Government’s $30 million Blueprint for the Bush Strengthening Rural Communities Strategy.

Copies of the CBT toolbox and guidelines can be downloaded from the Queensland Transport website at www.transport.qld.gov.au. Local governments can also access the documents through LGOnline.

For more information on the Rural Service Access Initiative, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au or contact your local Department of Communities regional office.

18 December 2006

Media contacts:

·Joe Begley (for Minister Shine) 3235 4280

·Paul Bell 0418 791 596