Scoot Wheel n Move was a council initiated group that aims to improve accessibility for people with mobility aids.

Since it’s inception two years ago, the group has organised a number of successful initiatives, including the recharge program where local businesses provide recharge facilities for people with motorised mobility aids, a booklet on mobility aids as well as an expo and public forum on accessibility.

Today’s meeting focused on the future direction of Scoot Wheel n Move so that it continues to be an effective advocate for accessibility improvements within Maroondah. In this regard Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) has expressed an interest in providing administrative support so that Scoot Wheel n Move can operate with greater autonomy from council.

Greater autonomy will enable the group to strengthen its advocacy efforts particularly in regard to securing accessibility improvements to Eastland and the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. The meeting today provided an opportunity to meet Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) and to discuss the future priorities for the group. It was encouraging to see Scoot Wheel n Move members support the transition to EACH and this will be further developed at the next group meeting.

In addition, the group expressed its interest in the State Government’s bus service reviews for Maroondah and it is important that Scoot Wheel n Move is provided with an opportunity to participate in this process. This will enable members to raise their concerns with bus services, including the need for more low floor buses and improvements to frequencies and service spans.

Similarly, I was able to discuss with the group a proposal put forward by 13 CABS via the Eastern Transport Coalition. 13 CABS wishes to establish an outer eastern taxi zone covering Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and would provide a more responsive taxi service for people beginning or completing their journey within the zone.

This means that there should be an increase in taxis readily available for shorter journeys within the region, as well as at least 60 maxi taxis available for use within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

13 CABS are currently developing the plan with assistance from Maroondah, Whitehorse, Manningham, Knox and Yarra Ranges Councils. It is hoped that the State Government will agree to the proposal and allow the creation of the outer eastern taxi zone.

The lack of readily available transport is continually raised as a major issue for people with disabilities. It is critical that advocacy for transport improvements, such as the redevelopment of Ringwood Station and better bus services, continues so that we can improve the mobility of Maroondah residents and people with disabilities.