New buildings to include bike racks, lockers and showers

Secure bike racks, lockers and showers are to be a compulsory inclusion in all new major developments under proposed changes to the Queensland Development Code, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe announced today.

Mr Hinchliffe said the draft initiative would encourage people to exercise, reduce the number of cars on Queensland roads and help cut the state’s carbon footprint.

“Under the proposed changes, major new developments and significant additions to buildings such as shopping centres, hospitals and commercial office buildings greater than 2000 square metres will be required to provide shower and locker facilities for employees or the public,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“These amenities will benefit cyclists, runners and people who walk long distances to get to work, or who exercise during their lunch break – and will hopefully encourage more people to exercise.”

Under the proposed amendments, Local Governments would be able to stipulate additional requirements to reflect local needs, and expand the definition of a “major development” to capture a broader range of buildings.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the proposed end of trip facility initiative was a great way for the Bligh Government to deliver on its commitment to promote communities with a reduced reliance on vehicles.

“Australia is experiencing a cycling revolution. Every year for the last decade Australians have sought more bikes than cars,” Ms Nolan said.

“The challenge is to get people riding for transport, not just for fun.

“The State Government actively promotes cycling. We are spending $60 million this year on bike paths and this improvement in facilities will further promote cycling to work.

“This will help reduce the demand on Queensland’s road network, cut greenhouse gas emissions and encourage Queenslanders to exercise.”

Mr Hinchliffe said incorporating these types of facilities in major new developments was an innovative way of offering Queenslanders additional lifestyle choices.

“For many residents, getting to and from their destination may often be limited to one or two options; drive the car or take public transport,’’ he said.

“People will be more likely to ride or jog more often, and over longer distances, if there is a secure place at the end of their journey to store their bikes and belongings, have a shower and change before heading into work or to the shops.”

The proposed end-of-trip facilities are expected to form part of Queensland Development Code 4.1 – Sustainable Buildings – which has already resulted in the requirement for five-star and six-star energy efficiency requirements for units, houses and major renovations.

The draft end-of-trip amendments are part of the Bligh Government’s Cleaner, Greener Buildings initiative, the ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland commitment, the Toward Q2 target to cut the state’s carbon footprint by one-third to 2020 and the Toward Q2 healthy target to reduce obesity. The introduction of end of trip facilities was also discussed at the Bligh Government’s Growth Management Summit to discuss growth on March 30 and 31.

Mr Hinchliffe encouraged the public to provide feedback on the proposed amendments and said the code is expected to be implemented in late 2010.

The draft code is available for consultation at www.dip.qld.gov.au. The closing date for submissions is 15 October 2010.

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