Imagine waking up one day in Caboolture…

You step outside, and the warm sunlight kisses your face but your thoughts are clouded. You know that more than 4 in 10 people in your community face the same daily struggle – getting around without driving. Maybe it’s because you’re too young, too old, dealing with a temporary or permanent disability, managing certain health conditions, or taking medications that make driving unsafe. Perhaps you’ve lost your licence or never learned to drive, or you’re one of the many who suffers from PTSD after a previous collision. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone in feeling stuck.

You might be one of the 1 in 4 people in Caboolture classified as low income (24%). Picture yourself counting every penny, knowing that a car is out of reach for you. Or maybe you’re one of the seniors, part of the 1 in 8 over the age of 75 (13%), watching as your ability to drive fades away with time. You could be one of the 1 in 7 people (9%) who live with a disability that makes getting behind the wheel impossible. Perhaps you have children who are part of the 1 in 4 under 17 years old (26%) – they’re counting on you to get them where they need to go but you don’t have a licence, joining the 1 in 5 adults in Australia who face this challenge (20%).

You might think your situation is unique but so many others in Caboolture are in the same boat. If you know any other reasons why people can’t drive, your voice matters – sharing what you know could help change things.

Now, think about the bigger picture. What happens when you can’t drive and there are no alternatives?

You fear losing your independence, especially as you get older and your cognitive capacities start to decline. Maybe you’ve seen how judges in court are sometimes lenient with dangerous drivers because they know losing a licence often means losing a job. You understand that not having independent transport makes it nearly impossible to escape unemployment. The social isolation digs in and with it comes a greater reliance on Centrelink payments and, too often, an increase in addiction.

If you’re a parent, you might drive your kids to school every day but have you noticed how it impacts their academic performance? Studies show that kids who ride bikes to school perform up to 10% better. They’re also less likely to have conflicts with you, their friends, and their teachers.

Your days might feel consumed by driving others around, leaving little time for your own paid work. You start to notice how much land is dedicated to parking and roads – land that could be used for housing, parks or preserving nature. Imagine how much revenue could be generated if ‘free’ parking was charged at the same rate as housing or shop rentals per square metre. That money could go toward making your community a better place.

And let’s not forget the pollution. Every time you drive, you contribute to the mix – fuel emissions, brake fluid, tyre dust, even micro-plastics. It’s a toxic soup that impacts your health, your stress levels and the air. The noise and light pollution from cars disrupts your sleep, raises your anxiety and chips away at your quality of life.

Then there’s the ever-present danger of car crashes. Picture this: in Australia, 3 people are killed each day in car crashes, and 2 people leave a crash with a disability every hour. The financial and social toll of lost income, caregiving, and endless medical appointments is immense. And in Queensland, imagine the horror each week as 3 parents accidentally drive over their own children in their driveways. The heartbreak is unimaginable.

But you have the power to make a difference. When our community unites to demand better transport alternatives, we can reduce these issues. Together, we can create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive world for everyone – and we can all come together to make it happen. To find out how, go to the transport toolkits page.

When we come together and successfully push for better transport alternatives, our community flourishes. You’ll see safer streets where kids confidently ride their bikes to school, improving their academic performance and building stronger relationships. Seniors and those with disabilities regain their independence, moving freely and without fear. Families spend less time worrying about transport and more time enjoying each other’s company. Our shared spaces, once dominated by cars, transform into vibrant parks, affordable housing, and preserved natural areas where we can all connect with nature. Pollution levels drop, leading to cleaner air, quieter nights, and a healthier environment. The risks of car crashes diminish, and the heartbreaking stories of driveway accidents become a thing of the past. With a united effort, we can build a community that is safer, healthier, and more inclusive, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.