JO HAYLEN

MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT

JENNY AITCHISON

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - REGIONAL NSW TO GET ACTIVE WITH $13.6 MILLION SHARE OF ACTIVE TRANSPORT GRANTS

Communities across regional New South Wales will benefit from 40 active transport projects to be funded as part of the $39.5 million Get NSW Active 2023/24 program. 

In the regions 50 councils have secured funding for projects that encourage walking and bike riding in their local area, helping communities create vibrant liveable neighbourhoods.

The program is designed to encourage healthier communities, as well as reducing the pressure on public transport and local roads.

Get NSW Active 2023 received a record 523 applications from councils across the state with funding allocated for 44 Greater Sydney projects and 40 regional projects, with $13.6 million of funding for regional projects in this round.

Projects funded for regional NSW will deliver new footpaths, new cycleways and improved safety features with projects across the state including 18 for Northern NSW, 11 in the south and another 11 in the west.

Key projects to be delivered across the state include: 

• Over $1.2 million to provide safe walking and cycling paths for students to five schools in Grafton.
• $1.5 million to construct a 2.1km off-road shared path including a new pedestrian bridge over the Main Water Supply Canal at Mackay Avenue in Griffith.
• More than $600,000 for the construction of a new path connecting Forbes CBD with the new Goldridge subdivision.
• $1.1 million for the construction of a new footpath on Bent Street South Grafton, that will contribute to a connected network of walking facilities in the area.
• $880,000 for improved safety and pedestrian crossings at Owen Street in Huskisson.

A full list of the successful applicants is available here.

Jo Haylen, Minister for Transport said:

“These projects will improve the way people walk and cycle around their communities, giving them the option to leave the car at home and walk or bike ride through their local areas.

“It will give people more options to get around, and for everyone that chooses to walk or cycle, it will mean one less car on our roads, or one more seat free on public transport for others.

“We want to see everyone able to get out and walk or ride a bike safely, whether for enjoyment or as part of their daily commute.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads said:

“It’s fantastic to see such a focus on regional New South Wales, with nearly half of this funding committed for projects in regional NSW.

“Our regions deserve to have world class active transport infrastructure to invigorate our regional areas, for everyone, not just the inner city.

“Communities across the state from Lismore to Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Brewarrina and Shoalhaven to Coonamble will benefit from improved active transport infrastructure, encouraging everyone to switch to a walk or bike ride where they can.

“These projects will invigorate our regional communities, ensuring people can enjoy vibrant places and liveable neighbourhoods.”

MEDIA: Jack Begbie I Minister Haylen I 0467 764 301

Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540