Latrobe Local News:
Latrobe City Coordinated Community Transport Project launched

The Minister for Community Services and Housing, the Hon Bronwyn Pike MP, and Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, officially launched Latrobe City’s Co-ordinated Community Transport Project on Tuesday

By Latrobe City Council - 6th May 2002 - Back to News

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One pilot project commenced this week, involving patients identified by the Latrobe Regional Hospital with specific needs; and a second project coordinating the needs of disability program participants at SCOPE Quality Learning and Cooinda Hill, commences later in May. Both pilot projects have been created to improve transport services for people disadvantaged by existing public and commercial transport.

Cr Jenkins said that the Latrobe Co-ordinated Community Transport Project (LCCT) was designed to provide a range of transport options for people with a disability, frail aged citizens, youth, rurally isolated, and socially or financially disadvantaged people.

"Once the two pilot projects are completed we will be expanding the service to other organisations and individuals identified as disadvantaged," Cr Jenkins said.

"The project seeks to involve the community and users of transport services to tailor transport to meet their needs. This involvement will develop a sense of ownership of the project, and encourage community participation in solving transport problems in Latrobe City," Cr Jenkins said.

"The project was an initiative of Latrobe City Council and was embraced by the Latrobe Valley Ministerial Taskforce. It is supported by the Department of Human Services and Council. The project model has been developed over the last three years by a steering committee representing key stakeholders from community organisations and transport services," Cr Jenkins explained.

"This project will result in an improvement in the overall health and well being of people who live in Latrobe City. Getting disadvantaged people mobilised is the priority and by creating this project, Latrobe City is taking that vital step," Cr Jenkins said.

LCCT project officer, Meagan Height, who has been meeting with people, organisations and representatives from various Community Transport Projects around Victoria, said a database newly developed in Wodonga had recently been purchased to track and facilitate local needs.

"It is intended that this system will eventually provide organisations access to book transport for people using their services. A website containing current project and community information is also being created, and will be linked to the existing Latrobe City Council website," Ms Height explained.

"Volunteer driver manuals and transport packs have also been completed and are ready for circulation. A key part of the strategy is to engage volunteer drivers to assist in providing the service, and we are seeking and would appreciate offers of help in this regard," Ms Height added.

The Latrobe Co-ordinated Community Transport Project recently relocated to SCOPE Quality Learning Inc in Morwell. Ms Height said the decision to relocate came about so that access to a volunteer drop-in centre and lockable transport compounds could be provided.

"A Systems Officer, Nicolas Lawler, was also recently appointed, and is in the process of implementing and establishing both the database and volunteer driver group. By utilizing new and existing vehicles in the region, and volunteer drivers, the project will achieve a more responsive, effective, and community friendly transport system," Ms Height said.

"In order to really involve the full community, a competition has also been designed to create a suitable logo for LCCT. The competition is open to all secondary college students in the Latrobe Valley. Certificates will be given to all participants, one encouragement award per year level being given, and a major prize going to the winner. The entries must be in by the first week of June," Ms Height explained.

Further information on the Latrobe Co-ordinated Community Transport Project or logo competition is available from Meagan Height, telephone 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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