Make your voice matter: Advocate for better transport

The importance of your voice
Transport shapes how you move, connect, and enjoy life. To create meaningful change, your voice is essential. Politicians listen to votes, and when they hear from many people, your idconeas carry weight. Here’s how you can make a difference. If you’re not sure what to say, feel free to reach out to us – we’re here to help.

Who to contact and why it matters
Tell your elected representatives what transport options you need. They must hear what matters to you. Get Around Caboolture works hard to champion better transport with Council, State, and Federal representatives, but we’re just a handful of voices. You can amplify these efforts by speaking up yourself.

Finding your representatives
Start by identifying your representatives at every level of government. Use this tool to find out who represents you. Once you know, align your questions and suggestions with their responsibilities. Councils manage footpaths, States oversee buses and trains, and the Federal government funds health, disability, and community services.

The key question to ask
Ask this key question: “What are you doing to help me live well in this area without a car?” By raising this question, you prompt your representatives to reflect and act. Together, we can create a future with better transport, healthier communities, and more freedom for everyone.

Addressing footpath funding
If your Council claims there’s no funding for footpaths, here’s one approach: “There are gaps in the footpaths, and my street isn’t under development. If funding exists for parking and roads, there can be funding for footpaths. Filling these gaps encourages people to leave their cars at home, which reduces road maintenance costs.” Federal Disability Discrimination Act legislation can back your case. Learn more here:

• Disability Standards
• Advisory Note on Streetscapes
• FAQ on footpaths

Making the case for buses and trains
For buses and trains, your State representative might argue they’re not cost-effective. Consider responding with this: “Car dependency costs Australia $30 billion annually. A quality bus service reduces road maintenance expenses and offers people real alternatives. Cars cost households $1,000 or more each month, and emissions and inactivity contribute to health issues like asthma, cancer, and diabetes, increasing the burden on Medicare and hospitals.” Watch this video.

Involving Federal representatives
Approach your Federal MP about transport issues tied to Centrelink, Medicare, or disability. If they redirect you to the State level, ask about federal funding for community buses or active transport grants.