Community Partnerships Deliver Transport Solutions in the Tasman

A community-led transport initiative in the Tasman is proving what can be achieved when community volunteers, Council and local organisations work together to tackle, in their own ways, a shared challenge.

Transport has long been identified by Tasman and Forestier Peninsula residents as a major barrier to accessing health services, employment, shopping, volunteering, community events and social connection.

In response, volunteer group Tasman Voice for Health (TVH) with its Community Working Groups, Tasman Council, Health Consumers Tasmania, community groups and local transport stakeholders came together to better understand local needs and develop practical solutions.

A community-led process driven by TVH and supported by Tasman Council resulted in community surveys, conversations and stakeholder engagement, which highlighted the transport barriers for the community. These included lack of knowledge of existing services, mismatch of transport solutions compared to the needs, limited community transport options, high travel costs, difficulty accessing medical appointments and employment opportunities and increasing social isolation.

There was no one solution to fix the issue and multiple solutions were required. The findings provided a strong evidence base for ongoing advocacy, presenting directly to local and state decision-makers and working together where solutions were possible.

A key outcome of this work over a few years has been the strength of partnerships formed across the community. Tasman Council, Tasman Voice for Health, Bendigo Bank and the Tasman Ex-Services Club have worked together to help deliver practical local transport solutions by each contributing uniquely to the establishment of two community buses situated in the Tasman Municipality. Working together has resulted in the development of volunteer driver models, ongoing management, maintenance and insurance arrangements, and the promotion of the service to ensure it is accessible to local residents.

The initiative has also supported the development of a comprehensive community transport brochure due for release in Spring 2026. Co-designed with older residents, community groups and service providers, the brochure will bring together information about public transport, community transport services, ride-share options, volunteer transport and other key contacts. The project recognised that many residents, particularly older people, prefer receiving information in printed formats and that clear, accessible information can make an immediate difference.

The project has strengthened local leadership, advocacy skills and collaboration across the municipality, while demonstrating the value of community-led solutions. It has also increased awareness of transport challenges and created stronger connections between community organisations, government agencies and residents.

Tasman Voice for Health and project partners believe the initiative shows that meaningful change happens when communities are listened to and involved in designing solutions.

By combining community voices, local leadership and collaborative action, the Tasman community has moved from identifying a problem to creating practical solutions that improve access to services, reduce isolation and strengthen community participation.