Burnet backs Bicycle Network call: State Government should match Federal active transport funding
Burnet backs Bicycle Network call: State Government should match Federal active transport funding
This week’s Federal budget introduced a $500m Active Transport Fund over ten years. Tasmania will receive $2.6m over the next two years. It is time the State Government grabbed the opportunity to match that investment to help local governments build more walking paths and cycleways.
Safe cycle lanes and other active transport options are an essential investment for communities. We know physical activity helps improve mental health and wellbeing. With alternatives to driving, emissions are reduced and congestion on our roads diminishes. This is reflected in State Government strategies on preventive health, population growth, climate change action, and more.
The State Government is out of step. Their funding allocated for active transport initiatives dried up in 2024. This hands-off approach to active transport saw cycling infrastructure spending cut to $0, while the entire Better Active Transport fund was allocated to a single pedestrian bridge. Arguably, that bridge should have been funded as part of the Algona Road Huntingfield infrastructure project upgrades.
Minister Kerry Vincent, as Minister for Local Government, Transport and Infrastructure, understands the importance of active transport funding for small projects. He and Health Minister Bridget Archer should be pressing the Treasurer to support active transport investment at a time when Tasmanians are looking for alternatives to car travel.
Investment in preventive health and active transport provides a positive return. With the current fuel crisis and cost of living pressures, providing these connections can ensure real and lasting alternatives to spending money on petrol and diesel, and reduce our rates of chronic ill health.
This Federal budget announcement is an opportunity to correct the course with strategic improvements to Tasmania’s cycling and footpath network.
The state government should prioritise funding for active transport in the upcoming budget if they are serious about reducing cost of living pressures.
The federal funding won’t stretch far. I therefore call on the Tasmanian Government to match this funding and re-instate the Better Active Transport Fund.