For some time, Murrindindi Shire Council has been working on plans for a community car service, ‘Moving Murrindindi’ which will make it easier for people to attend appointments and reach public transport hubs.
Mayor Charlie Bisset said council was thrilled with the Victorian Government’s announcement of more than $150,000 funding to go toward this important program.
“It was great to have the Honourable Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, visit us in Yea on Thursday, October 11 to make the announcement.
“Council was really pleased to announce that it will also be contributing $20,000 of in-kind support to get this Project off the ground,” Bisset said.
“Making our Shire an even better place to live for everyone is at the heart of our Council Plan 2017-2021. We know the community wants us to ensure people can access the services they need no matter their personal circumstances. So we started looking at ways we could achieve this.
“This funding will allow us to purchase two hybrid cars – one will be located in Yea, the other in Kinglake.
“Volunteer drivers will be trained up and will be able to transport people who need assistance.
“It is our hope that the ‘Moving Murrindindi’ service will be particularly useful to those needing assistance to get to medical appointments and access to other services.
The funding fills public transport gaps in the Shire with council hoping the service will assist people to reach major public transport hubs in Seymour, Lilydale, Whittlesea and South Morang.
“During her visit, Ms Symes also announced $130,000 for the organisation Community AccessAbility Incorporated to fund its new 18-seater bus.
“This bus will be used to help people around the Hume region, including those in Alexandra and Yea, to access services in other regional centres.”
Scheduled to start running later this year, the bus service will be able to carry two wheelchairs further enabling people with mobility challenges in Murrindindi Shire to get around more easily
“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the community members, community organisations and service providers who we have been working closely with to further this cause.
“We can’t wait to get Murrindindi moving!” Bisset added.
Council will be managing the development, implementation and ongoing operations of the ‘Moving Murrindindi’ community car share program.
