Community Transport Review
Consultation has concluded
Submissions close Friday 6 December
Overview
North Sydney Council has funded the delivery of a Community Transport service for over thirty years via contracted services. The current contract is due for renewal from 1 July 2025.
North Sydney’s current community transport arrangement provides fixed services to individuals and organizations in the community, including shopping and taxi services, Stanton Library Shuttles, Council volunteer trips, and services to community groups such as community centres and childcare centres.
The current contract has performed well in supporting existing community groups and organizations and is well regarded by those that use it, however COVID-19 significantly impacted usage of the service, even after restrictions lifted. Future tender proposals must maintain the existing strengths in supporting transport disadvantaged community groups, while addressing challenges such as under-utilization of contracted services and poor connectivity to key Council services such as the Coal Loader and North Sydney Olympic Pool.
Through a review of its current community transport arrangement, Council has identified the following priorities:
Priorities for Tender Inclusion
1. Enhancing existing service provision to community groups and individuals
Council is committed to consulting and engaging with community groups to understand existing transport needs in the community. Our first priority is to ensure that community groups providing services to transport disadvantaged groups such as older people, people with disability and young families.
2. Balancing strong fixed services with flexible options to meet shifting demand
To continue the well utilized existing services and to encourage additional services with community support and high likelihood of engagement, some level of fixed services should be identified and guaranteed through consultation with community groups. To ensure our services are able to meet shifting demand, a flexible schedule of funding should be allocated to support emerging community groups or activities.
3. Prioritizing connection with existing and future Council facilities and events
Contracted services should be optimized to connect with services being provided through Council’s community facilities. For example, connecting seniors, youth or disability groups with demographically targeted services and/or events at North Sydney Olympic Pool, Stanton Library or the Coal Loader would provide a cohesive, wrap-around service offering to the community and promote engagement with these high-quality facilities and spaces.
4. Maintain existing transport services to Council staff and volunteers
Current transport services provided to Council staff and volunteers is well utilised and highly valued. In particular, the trips conducted for Bushcare volunteers enables highly regarded community Bushcare programs such as Bridge to Boorowa and facilitates training and education opportunities for volunteers, boosting both engagement and efficacy in these programs.
Council welcomes any feedback and input on its community transport arrangement. To submit your comments, please complete the attached forms by Friday 6 December.
