Local governments are calling for greater investment in active transport infrastructure to improve safety around schools and encourage more children to walk and cycle.
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) has outlined a range of measures to support safer school precincts, including new infrastructure, targeted interventions and complementary programs to promote active transport.
The initiatives, detailed in WALGA’s 2026-27 State Budget Submission, aim to improve safety for children, support healthy and active lifestyles, and enhance neighbourhood liveability. WALGA has called for $4 million in funding to support delivery across local government areas.
WALGA President, Karen Chappel, said safer pedestrian and cycling infrastructure was critical within school catchments.
“Footpaths have got to be safe and there’s got to be shared paths,” Chappel said.
“There needs to be correct signage so everybody clearly understands that this is a cycleway or clearly understands there’s a footpath or crosswalk.
“We want children to be active and independent, and to do all that, we have to make it a safe environment.”
A Department of Transport spokesperson said the State Government was committed to improving walking and cycling infrastructure and had already invested more than $1.4 million through the Connecting Schools Grant program.
