Victorians will have more opportunities to walk, cycle and actively move through their communities thanks to support from the Albanese Government.
$21 million is going towards 19 projects across Victoria to build new or upgrade existing bicycle and walking paths.
In Frankston South, Frankston City Council is receiving $923,650 to construct a shared path on Towerhill Road. The project will upgrade existing infrastructure to enhance safety by providing dedicated paths to enable cyclists to avoid the busy roadway.
Further south, on Philip Island, $980,000 is going towards the Bass Coast Shire Council’s new shared path to link the townships of Cowes and Ventnor for visitors and locals alike.
In Ararat, $266,000 is supporting the Ararat Rural City Council’s ‘Ararat on the Move’ Strategy to design and deliver almost 10km of bicycle routes that will transform the town, connecting residents and visitors with shops, schools, recreational facilities, the Ararat CBD and train station.
In Kilsyth, Yarra Ranges Council is receiving over $460,000 to create a new 1.7km shared user path along Liverpool Road between Canterbury Road and Mount Dandenong Road in Kilsyth to connect popular destinations such as the Baywater Business Precinct and Pinks Reserve, and feed into nearby trails.
Other projects receiving funding include:
·Over $960,000 for Melbourne City Council to upgrade three traffic signals on Rathdowne Street in Carlton to improve the safety of this shared path.
·Over $680,000 for Maroondah City Council to convert the footpath along Greenwood Avenue into a shared user path, connecting the railway station in central Ringwood with the regional Jubilee Sports Precinct, Aquinas College and Great Ryrie Primary School.
·$900,000 for Horsham Rural City Council to implement safety upgrades to main entry roads into the Horsham Central Activity District to provide safe access for cyclists and pedestrians.
The Albanese Government is making our cities and regions even better places to live, building social infrastructure, connecting place and designing healthier, more liveable towns.
Our new Active Transport Fund is one part of this, providing safe and accessible transport options that are good for the planet and good for ourselves.
This program supports the Government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure planning, design and construction that improves safety outcomes for vulnerable road users under the National Road and Safety Strategy 2021-2030.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“From Melbourne to the Yarra Ranges, we’re investing in active transport options right across Victoria to shape the way locals and visitors move around our great towns.
Rather than jumping in the car, Victorians will be able to walk or cycle to school, work and their local services.
“This is about so much more than bike lanes and footpaths, it’s about reshaping our cities and regional centres, connecting our everyday places, and making our towns better to live in and easier to visit.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea:
“We are improving connections in Frankston to create opportunities for physical activity, making our community healthier and more liveable.
“This funding will give students from the nearby Frankston and Overport schools a safer way to walk, cycle and travel around the area.”
