Social exclusion: the roles of mobility and bridging social capital in regional Australia

Abstract

Mobility is a fundamental requirement for well-functioning regions and for the wellbeing of their residents (and visitors). The paper first examines the role of mobility in promoting social inclusion of regional residents. Discussing the groups of regional people most likely to be at risk of social exclusion, because of poor mobility opportunities, the paper highlights pre-school children as a new focus for policy and research attention. It then highlights the importance of building bridging social capital to reduce risks of social exclusion in a regional setting, showing that, while regional people at high risk of social exclusion may achieve relatively high trip making (mobility), they may still have problems taking trips that build their bridging social capital. Public transport services can play a supportive role here, with indicative service levels outlined. To better meet regional mobility needs and achieve more effective use of mobility-supporting resources (e.g. vehicles, people), the paper proposes a central integrating role for Regional Accessibility Committees.