FROM THE MINISTER FOR VICTORIAN COMMUNITIES

DATE: Monday, May 28, 2007


BATCHELOR LAUNCHES NEW TRANSPORT MODEL FOR MILDURA

Monday, 28 May, 2007

BATCHELOR LAUNCHES NEW TRANSPORT MODEL FOR MILDURA

Transport for some of the most isolated residents in the Mildura region is set to improve, thanks to a $297,729 funding boost from the Bracks Government.

Minister for Victorian Communities Peter Batchelor today launched the Northern Mallee Transport Connections project at the Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Incorporated Office in Mildura.

The Transport Connections initiative aims to improve local transport for those who have special needs or live in isolated areas. The Government has allocated $18.3 million to the project and funding is now being allocated to local projects.

“Through the project, the community will make better use of existing transport assets and services, such as taxis, school buses, community buses and volunteers.”

“For older residents, better transport means more easily attending medical appointments and participating in community activities; for younger people, it means getting to their place of study or work,” she said.

“The Northern Mallee Transport Connections project will find transport options that help local people to better participate in community life,” Mr Batchelor said.

“The project will look to significantly improve local transport by making better use of existing assets and services, such as taxis, school buses, community buses, and volunteers.

“It will help assist older residents to gain the independence to attend appointments and participate in community activities; help young people to travel to their place of study or work; help people who may not have access to a car; and improve access to transport for people with a disability,” Mr Batchelor said.

The Northern Mallee Transport Connections project is a partnership between residents, representatives from Mildura Rural City Council, Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Incorporated, the Northern Mallee Primary Care Partnership, private transport providers, and a number of other community agencies.

Transport Connections is part of the Victorian Government’s $3 billion A Fairer Victoria social policy action plan.

For more information about the Northern Mallee Transport Connections project, please contact Gayle Danson, Service Development Officer, Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Incorporated and Executive, Northern Mallee Primary Care Partnership on (03) 5022 1771 or suntrans1@hotkey.net.au.