The Southern Mallee Transport Connections Partnership has surveyed the Charlton township in order to determine the transport needs of the residents.  660 surveys were sent to households across the Charlton township and surrounding area.  Of these, 83 surveys were completed and remitted back to various return points across Charlton.  The results of the returned surveys are as follows:

61 respondents stated that there were not enough transport options for Charlton.   The ages of these respondents were as follows:

• 39% of the respondents were 75 years or older,  31%  were between 65 and 74 years of age,  12% of the respondents were between 55 and 64 years of age,  17% were aged betwen 18 and 54 years of age, and  1% of the respondents was aged 16-17 years of age.  Please note:  None of the respondents were aged less than 16.

When asked where people needed to travel, the respondents answered as follows:

• 65 people requested transport to Bendigo,  46 people requested transport to Melbourne,  27 people requested transport within Charlton,  21 people requested transport to Ballarat,  and  14 people requested transport to St Arnaud.

The reasons for transport were quite varied, with the following responses noted:

• 61 people needed to travel for appointments,  39 people needed to travel for various shopping requirements,  31 people needed to travel to visit friends and family,  30 people needed to travel to attend events,  21 people needed to assistance to travel long distances,  13 people needed to travel in order to undertake voluntary work,  10 people needed to travel for sport and recreation,   and  9 people needed to travel for employment / training purposes.

When asked what types of transport needed to be developed or expanded, the following responses were noted.

• 53 people requested local taxi or hire car services,  29 people requested a local bus service,  27 people requested additional volunteer-assisted car services,  25 people requested access to public train services, and  21 people requested more public bus services.

Charlton Focus Group

These surveys results were used to develop further local transport discussion at a recent focus group meeting in Charlton.  Various transport recommendations were identified at this forum, and the Southern Mallee Transport Connections Partnership is currently developing various draft transport strategies.  One such strategy (Saturday transport to Bendigo) is currently under way as a short term trial.  Please refer to the 'Transport - Buloke' tab of this website for further informaiton.

For further input or information regarding transport in Charlton, please contact Ms Denese Smith (Southern Mallee Transport Connections Partnership on 5456 4122, or please return to this webpage at a later time for further updates.