Monday, 30 January 2017
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Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the funding, made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions, would extend the scheme for a further three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20. "The scheme was established to help regional pensioners who don't have access to public transport, cover the costs of getting around and accessing services that are often a long way from their homes," Mr Redman said. "Eligible pensioners are provided with a fuel card to the value of $575 to purchase fuel or taxi fares in 2016-17. "The scheme helps more than 52,000 regional pensioners who need to travel to see a doctor, participate in community groups and recreational activities or just catch up with family and friends." Transport Minister Bill Marmion said the popular scheme helped regional pensioners to be more connected to their communities. "Affordable transport options for regional pensioners help reduce isolation by enabling residents to travel to social services and interact with their community, which has a positive impact for the individual and the whole community," Mr Marmion said. As at June 30, 2016, there were more than 52,000 active fuel cards in regional Western Australia with more than $24.7 million expended on fuel and taxis by cardholders in 2015-16. The scheme is administered by the Department of Transport and delivered through WEX Australia Ltd. Fact File
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