SIRA News: $2 million in roads funding; update on CV and other Easylink services

$2 million in roads funding for Scotland Island; update on CV and other Easylink services 

SIRA NEWS

1 November 2023 

.#

$2 million to go towards improving roads and drainage on Scotland Island

In 2022, SIRA was invited to submit ideas to Northern Beaches Council for improving roads and drainage on the island. SIRA’s Roads and Drainage and Environment Subcommittee submitted ideas and photos.

NBC then applied for $9 million in funding from the Federal Government from the Infrastructure Betterment Fund and the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package.

The following media release outlines the excellent outcome of this process. It should be noted that the grant targets restoration and additional improvements to drainage and road infrastructure, to ensure resilience of the road network.

Our thanks go to Sharon Kinnison and group for their efforts and the excellent outcome that has been achieved. Of course, $2 million will not cover the whole island and priorities will need to be identified and implemented through to 2026.

Senator Tony Sheldon

Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery
Labor Senator for New South Wales
 

MEDIA RELEASE

30th October 2023

Scotland Island gets disaster funding boost

The Albanese Government is building better infrastructure on Scotland Island to make the community more resilient to extreme weather and local flooding.

For more information, including the full lists of successful projects, visit the Infrastructure Betterment Fund website and the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Community Assets Programs website.

“By investing in better designs and better materials, we can make sure local roads, schools and drainage systems are built to last, and better withstand future natural disasters.

Update on Community Vehicle

The notice below was received from Easylink. Residents might be interested to note the section on ‘Other services provided by Easylink’. 

Community Vehicle Information and Operation

Information

Scotland Island is categorised as a ‘transport disadvantaged’ area by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Easylink Community Transport receive funding under the Community Transport Program (CTP) to cover vehicle operations.  Easylink uses this CTP funding to lease a vehicle from NBC on a 5-year arrangement. The vehicle is managed on the Island by Coordinators with support from the drivers.

Islanders automatically qualify for this funding and the names of passengers are collected for TfNSW purposes only (Privacy Policy available). This service relies on adequate usage being made of the vehicle and continued funding is dependent upon the number of trips and passengers which has been gradually declining and could put this service at risk.

Operation of community vehicle

See Easylink Scotland Island Community Transport Vehicle Information at

https://www.scotlandisland.org.au/community/community-vehicle/

Volunteer drivers are trained on the island, and they agree to offer their services on a roster basis 12 hours a day, 6 days per week. They are remunerated by the fares paid to them by passengers.

Transport for NSW no longer supports concessional rates but historical arrangements continue to be offered  to some registered passengers, supported by the drivers. However, all people with Aged Care, NDIS or other packages should check eligibility for having their Island transport costs covered by direct application.

Other services provided by Easylink

As all Scotland Island residents qualify for CTP funding, you can be picked up from Church Point and travel at a subsidised rate as follows:

• Anywhere on the Northern Beaches, 7am to 7pm, $5 booking fee plus 70 cents per kilometre (much cheaper than taxis);
• To RNSH and other services in the lower North Shore by shuttle service (4 times a day), $30 each way.

More information on mainland services from Church Point is available at https://easylink.com.au/individual-transport/

Scotland Island Community Website: scotlandisland.org.au

SIRA News Archive

Unsubscribe