Grants walking out the door to encourage active transport

The Palaszczuk Government has awarded nearly $12 million in local council grants to support the delivery of new bike-riding networks.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the funding was thanks to the record $268.8 million committed towards active transport in the 2022-23 budget.

“I love getting on the bike whenever I can, and an important part in encouraging more people to do that is having the infrastructure on the ground where it’s needed,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Cycle Network Local Government Grants program helps councils to deliver priority bike routes in their area and connect the state on two wheels.

“This round of funding will go towards 56 new projects from the Coast all the way to Cairns, including new bridges, shared paths and planning.

“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs, so this investment has a value of nearly $60 million to Queenslanders.

“This $11.8 million investment builds on the $12.6 million already committed to projects currently underway – that’s a big win to people who walk, roll or stroll right around the state.”

Some of the 56 new projects to be delivered by local governments include:

• almost $3 million to build an active transport bridge and shared path on Stringybark Road, from Toral Drive to Central Drive, on the Sunshine Coast
• $900,000 for construction of Cinderella Drive Cycleway, Springwood Road to Dennis Road shared path project in Logan
• more than $555,000 for construction of the Fourth Avenue, Eleventh Street to Isa Street shared path project in Mount Isa
• $400,000 for construction of the West Creek, Pierce Street to Alderley Street project in Toowoomba
• $350,000 for construction of Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, Rail crossing to Hensley Drive shared path project in Cloncurry
• $190,000 for the Kangaroo Point Bikeway, Captain Cook Bridge to Thornton Street options analysis project in Brisbane.

Some notable projects currently underway include:

• almost $2 million to build the Clifton Beach to Kewarra Beach section of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail in Cairns
• more than $700,000 for construction of the Pioneer River North Bank (Stage 2), Heaths Road to Gooseponds Trail shared path project in Mackay
• $330,000 for construction of the Lawrence Street and Ward Crescent shared path project in Biloela.

Mr Bailey said funding had also been allocated for councils to carry out walking network planning in 48 diverse locations to create more walkable communities across the state.

"I'm very pleased to announce the recipients of the first Queensland Walking Local Government Grants to identify and prioritise walking infrastructure needed for people to walk to everyday destinations like public transport, schools and town centres," he said.

"Whether on foot, moving with the help of a mobility device like a wheelchair, or pushing a pram, walking is an important part of life for everyone.

"We know more people will walk when everyday destinations are connected by comfortable, direct, safe and accessible routes.

“That’s why we’re integrating active transport infrastructure into our planning and design, supporting walking infrastructure right throughout the state from Cunnamulla to Cleveland, Caboolture to Cairns.

"This funding will allow councils to plan in consultation with their communities to deliver the best outcomes for locals."

The walking planning and bike-riding projects are expected to start progressively from this month.

For more information about the Cycle Network Local Government Grants program, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/cycling.

For more information on the Walking Local Government Grants, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Pedestrians-and-walking/Walking-Local-Government-Grants.

ENDS

Background

Walking network plans will be developed around the following locations:

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570