This paper will outline possible questions, frameworks and methods for exploring the issue of car ownership and social exclusion in Australia. European research demonstrates that transport disadvantage, commonly characterised by a lack of access to a private car or appropriate public transport, has negative impacts on social inclusion and wellbeing. Recent research by Currie and Senbergs in outer urban Melbourne identified low income households in areas that had zero or very low walk access to local activities and limited public transport. Within these parameters, 16,357 households were found not to have a car. It is hypothesised that these households will be experiencing mobility barriers. However, a greater number (20,831) were running two or more cars, the cost of which represents as much as 50 per cent or more of total household income. There may be significant financial stress in these households. These results raise interesting questions for potential exploration in the proposed PhD study. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E216383.
Samenvatting