The federal government is investing close to $20 million in local infrastructure to create more active transport opportunities across South Australia and Western Australia.
More than $15 million will be invested in Western Australia under the Active Transport Fund (ATF) in 12 new projects across the state to build or upgrade existing bicycle and walking paths.
The City of Canning will receive more than $1.1 million for a new path and another upgraded path to increase active connectivity between METRONET’s Elevated Rail Project and the Canning River Regional Park through the Canning City Centre.
The improved facilities will benefit local students at Cannington Community College, Sevenoaks College and St Norbert College as well as people visiting Cannington Leisureplex.
More than $4.8 million will be provide to the City of Mandurah to build the 3.9km Falcon Coastal Shared Path project stretching along the entire Falcon Coast, linking existing coastal paths in Wannanup to the south and Halls Head to the north.
The Town of Cottesloe, on Perth’s southern beaches, will receive more than $4.1 million to widen and upgrade four kilometres of the pathway along Marine Parade between Curtin Avenue and North Street.
In South Australia, more than $4.6 million will be invested in seven new projects across the state under the ATF to build or upgrade existing bicycle and walking paths.
The City of Charles Sturt will receive $1 million to build an 800m pedestrian and cycle path, running alongside Chambers Street through Don Ferguson Memorial Reserve and connecting to Atkin Street in Henley Beach.
The delivery of this missing link will complete the 5.5km path so that residents and visitors can walk, cycle or push a pram from West Lakes through to Henley Beach. Along the way, it connects with shops, four local schools, the Henley and Grange Memorial Oval sports precinct and the rail line into the city and further down the coast.
The City of Charles Sturt Council has been working on the entire stretch of the pathway since 2017. This funding will enable its completion, improving safety and better connecting the suburbs.
Other projects receiving funding include:
- The Shire of Cunderdin, north east of Perth, which will have more than $852,000 to design and build new footpaths along Togo Avenue, Watts Avenue, Hodgson Street and Yilgarn Avenue, about 3.25km long and 1.8m wide
- The City of Karratha, up north in the Pilbara, to receive $774,000 to build 1.3km of path linking Bathgate and Dampier Road to connect to the shopping centre
- The Shire of Nannup, on the south west tip of WA, will have more than $611,000 to build two 2.5m-wide shared paths, separated by Vasse Highway, known as the Southern Bridges Shared Path
- District Council of Streaky Bay will receive $1 million to construct the Montgomerie Terrace Shared Use Path from East Terrace to Bay Road, Streaky Bay
- Mount Barker District Council will receive more than $977,000 to build the Bollen Road shared path
- District Council of Loxton Waikerie will receive more than $1.1 million for two projects – the construction of two off-road shared paths, one in the townships of Waikerie and Ramco, and the other in the township of Loxton
- Tatiara District Council will receive $236,500 for a new shared path along Rowney Road/Naracoorte Road
- Town of Gawler will receive $252,757 to upgrade the Clark Road shared use path to better connect the train station
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that whether on a motor scooter, pushing a pram, walking or cycling, the government is making it easier for people to get to school, work or local services, without having to jump in the car.
“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,” Minister King said.
Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman, said that he loves cycling and his kids love their scooters.
“I am proud to be part of a government that is making our communities healthier and more liveable,” Mr Gorman said.
“There are so many benefits that come from people traveling by using physical activity.
“Perth is an active city, and I welcome this national investment in our local our communities.”
City of Charles Sturt Mayor, Angela Evans, said that this funding allows council to complete a missing link in the Grange Lakes Corridor.
“By delivering this final section, we’re not only improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists but also supporting a more active and connected community,” Mayor Evans said.
“We’re excited to see this much-loved corridor continue to grow and benefit our residents for years to come.”
Safe and accessible active transport options promote net zero-emissions travel, social connection and healthy choices, making our cities and regions more vibrant.
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.
For more information visit Active Transport Fund | Infrastructure Investment Program.
