Project Description
đź“Ś Project Overview
My project tackles the Delivering the 20-Minute Neighbourhood Plan challenge by exploring how accessible schools are for Victorian families.
I explored one key question:
👉 Can children reach school within 20 minutes, as the Victorian Government’s 20-Minute Neighbourhood vision?
Using the VISTA 2023–24 travel survey and School Locations 2025 dataset, I analysed how long students travel to school, which modes of transport they use, and how accessibility varies across Local Government Areas (LGAs).
I built an interactive dashboard that visualises:
* What % of school trips meet the 20-minute goal
* Mode of travel share (cars vs walking vs public transport)
* Differences in average travel times across LGAs
* Distribution of schools across Victoria
Findings reveal both strengths and challenges: while most families meet the 20-minute target, many still rely heavily on cars, and some LGAs face much longer average travel times due to fewer schools nearby.
This project provides insights for planners and policymakers to target improvements, reduce car dependence, and design more liveable, connected communities.
Data Story
đź“– Data Story
The Victorian Government’s 20-Minute Neighbourhood vision aims to give residents access to essential services within a short, 20-minute journey by walking, cycling, or public transport.
For families, one of the most important daily trips is getting children to school. If this trip is too long, too car-dependent, it affects children’s wellbeing, increases congestion, and higher emission.
🔍 Key Findings
* 70% of trips are within 20 minutes — promising, but leaves 30% outside the target.
* Cars dominate school travel, while walking and public transport remain underused.
* Some LGAs consistently show longer average school travel times
* The school location map highlights areas where coverage is sparse, contributing to longer journeys.
🌏 Why It Matters
These insights show where Victoria’s 20-Minute Neighbourhood vision is succeeding and where it needs support. Policymakers can:
* Target infrastructure investment in LGAs with poor school access
* Improve walking and public transport options around schools
* Plan new schools strategically in growth areas
đź“Š The Outcome
I developed an interactive dashboard that makes these insights easy to explore. It combines charts and maps into one report that’s accessible to everyone.
My project demonstrates how open data can drive smarter planning decisions, helping to ensure that every child in Victoria can reach their school safely and quickly.
