From a Statewide perspective the Victorian Government's Transport Connections Program works with communities to enhance the opportunities for people with limited access to transport to participate in community life and access services and resources.

Transport Connections supports communities to participate in decision-making to find ways to use existing transport more effectively, and develop innovative solutions to increase access to education, health, employment and social opportunities.

Transport Connections funds 34 projects across Victoria, including rural, regional and interface Council areas.

Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) Website

What are the objectives of the Transport Connections Project?

Transport Connections 2010 - 2013 will focus on the needs of communities and individuals who have limited access to transport and will develop options for improved transport and accessibility at a local and regional level.

The objectives of Transport Connections are:

Develop innovative transport and non transport options to suport access, excluding public transport responses.
Generate more efficient use of existing transport and community resources.
Establish ongoing local partnerships to deliver transport and accessibility outcomes
Foster ongoing community participation and inclusion in decision making to improve social and economic inclusion

What does Transport Connections mean for Golden Plains Shire?

The Transport Connections Project in Golden Plains Shire is called the Community Connections Project. The Community Connections Project aims to address the transport needs of the Golden Plains Shire which is one of the most significant barriers to accessing services, employment, recreation and social networks.

Community Connections Project Vision

Our vision is for communities in Golden Plains where:

people feel embraced by the people that live around them and with whom they go about their daily activities, regardless of age or ability
people can easily move about their local communities and get involved in community activities
indoor and outdoor facilities support people to come together, play, exercise, have fun or just be together
there are opportunities that inspire and support people to achieve their aspirations
people feel encouraged and able to be physically, mentally and socially active
individuals and families have a diverse range of education, employment and social opportunities.

Community Connections Project Principles

Principle 1 - People who feel supported and valued by their community, and who have the choice to participate in community activities experience better health.

Principle 2 - A variety of different health and wellbeing, social, work, and recreation options make for vibrant, active, and well-connected communities.

Principle 3 - Priorities will be those that optimise opportunities for people to connect with the communities they live, work, recreate, or attend schools in.

Principle 4 - Sustainable and effective facilities (including community infrastructure) are facilities that:

are planned and designed in consideration of the level and range of current and future use, and of the construction and ongoing maintenance costs
optimise health and wellbeing, social environmental and economic benefits to the community
are constructed using sustainable and durable materials
developed after use of relevant existing facilities has been optimised.

Principle 5 - Well-integrated facilities will optimise use of facilities, and the safety and comfort of users.

Principle 6 - Facilities will be designed according to 'universal design principles' to optimise access for greatest number of residents.

Principle 7 - Council, community, government and business partnerships will be critical for achieving project outcomes.

Community Connections Newsletter Update

Community Connections Newsletter Update Issue 1 2012(3717 kb)