Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today welcomed an announcement that a re-elected NSW Government would increase funding for community transport by a further $12 million over the next four years.
In March 2011 the government doubled community transport funding over four years with an increase of $12 million – the first funding boost to community transport since 1998. If re-elected, it will continue this support with a further $12 million boost.
Mr Marshall said the huge funding boost meant extra services and extra support for the most vulnerable members of the Northern Tablelands community who relied on these services day in and day out.
“Community transport provides a vital service for people who can’t drive or catch regular public transport because of their age, disability or simply because of where they live,” Mr Marshall said.
“Without community transport, many people in our community would struggle to do the things many of us take for granted.
“Whether it’s getting to the doctor, the chemist, seeing family or heading to the shops – community transport is a lifeline for many local residents.
With an ageing population in the region, the need for community transport services will only increase.
“I am proud of the work our local community transport providers and volunteers do for this community and am pleased this funding boost from the State Government means they have the support they need,” Mr Marshall said.
Community transport makes a huge contribution in NSW – employing more than 1,200 people, assisted by 3,500 volunteers, and providing almost two million trips to customers a year.