Improving the safety of motorised scooter users

The Motorised Mobility Device Strategic Plan 2022-2027 was adopted at the May, 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting following an extensive public consultation period.

The Strategy identifies the needs of people who use motorised mobility devices in Maryborough and develops actions to provide better connections and safety of the users.

This strategy primarily focuses on motorised mobility device usage in the town of Maryborough as the majority of motorised mobility device users in the Shire are known to live, work and study in Maryborough.

Based on the community engagement and fieldwork findings, the vision developed for this Strategy is:

“Motorised mobility devices, supported by well-designed infrastructure, enable members of the Maryborough community to safely and actively participate in community life and retain their independence.”

Feedback highlights

The top three items to come out the community consultation period for the Draft Motorised Mobility Device Strategic Plan were:

  • Better connection around Havilah Hostel, Schoolhouse Village, Hospital, Library and Public Transport
  • Adequate signage around hotspots
  • Education and awareness for the users.

All submissions were considered in developing the final Plan.

What is the Draft Strategic Plan?

We know we have an ageing population, with this number expected to increase over the next decade and, that there is also a high number of the population using motorised scooters as their primary mode of transport.

The development of the Plan aimed to better support the scooter community by clearly identifying the needs of people who live in Maryborough who use motorised mobility devices. It identifies:

  • Key issues and hot spots
  • Gives consideration to any infrastructure improvements that need to be made
  • Identifies education and safety programs


Frequently asked questions

The need for a motorised scooter plan was first identified by the Walking and Cycling Strategy 2017-2026 noting that a number of older people and people with mobility issues in the Shire are using motorised scooters for transportation.

It is important to maintain the safety of the footpaths in a way that is convenient for the scooter users for their independent movements around the key destinations.

The strategy also pointed out the need for developing a safer area for scooter users supported by local health professionals.

In early 2021, Central Goldfields Shire Council received funding from Transport Accident Commission to prepare a scooter strategy and action plan for safe motorised mobility aid in Maryborough.

This plan primarily focuses on motorised mobility device usage in the town of Maryborough as the majority of motorised mobility device users in the Shire are known to live, work and study in Maryborough.

CommunityVibe and Cardno have been appointed as qualified consultants to produce this plan.

Thank you to those who provided their valuable input to the project during November 2021.

The following engagement sessions were conducted to get community and stakeholder inputs to the project:

  • Key stakeholder engagement – 3 workshops:
    • Council staff
    • Community – Maryborough District Health Service, Maryborough Education Centre, Highview College, Asteria, Committee for Maryborough, Go Goldfields, and other relevant community sector groups
    • State Government – transport and economic development
  • Community engagement – small group or one on one meetings with existing and potential scooter users at services they attend, at home or other suitable locations

There were online surveys promoted through posters and council social media sites.

Through development of the Plan, Council commits to a robust vision for this highly valued group of people:

Motorised mobility devices, supported by well-designed infrastructure, enable members of the Maryborough community to safely and actively participate in community life and retain their independence.”