A path to healthier, active communities through targeted infrastructure investment

The Minns Labor Government is getting on the front foot with improving active transport infrastructure across the state, with more than 50 construction-ready projects funded and to be delivered by local councils.

They include separated bike paths, shared paths, footpaths and improved pedestrian crossings, all of which will encourage people to walk and ride rather than get behind the wheel by providing safe and accessible infrastructure.

Many missing links have been identified in Western Sydney, with ‘ghost paths’ that stop abruptly leading nowhere, dangerous intersections and unsafe pavement, making it harder for families to access public transport, parks and schools.

Funding from the Get NSW Active program is putting $14 million into new paths in Western Sydney, with 16 projects spanning eight councils including:

• $3.2 million for the conversion of an existing pop-up cycleway to a permanent cycleway on Wigram Street at Harris Park, as well as improving a shared path, installing new pedestrian crossings and footpath improvements – City of Parramatta
• $2.1 million for multiple shared paths and crossings in Lalor Park that link to an existing corridor on Sunnyholt Road – Blacktown City Council
• $1.8 million on a new shared pathway in East Parade at Buxton to connect the public park to Buxton Primary School – Wollondilly Shire Council
• $875,000 for a new shared path on Coreen Avenue, Penrith, which will fill a missing link and connect North Penrith and Cranebrook to Penrith Station, the International Regatta Centre, Nepean River and Castlereagh Road – Penrith City Council
• $450,000 for detailed design of a shared path with trees and lighting between Bailey Street and Parramatta Aquatic Centre, improving access to Westmead Public School, Station and future metro, and Health Precinct.

The 16 Western Sydney projects join 76 others that have been awarded funding right across the state, with 40 based in regional NSW, from Tweed Heads to Bourke to Corowa.

Regional projects being funded into construction include:

• $4.9 million for a 4.6km, three-metre-wide shared path along Plumpton Road between Rowan Rd, Wagga Wagga and Kooringal Road, Lake Albert, including five road crossings and a pedestrian bridge at Crooked Creek
• $3.3 million for a shared path for residents from Geneva getting to football fields, golf course, community gym and showgrounds – Kyogle Council
• $2.4 million for “The Lismore Boulevard”, a six-metre-wide shared path through Lismore Park linking the CBD, health precinct, transport, and recreational areas – Lismore City Council
• $1.25 million for nearly 1km of new footpath from Brooke Drive and Lighthouse Road at Byron Bay to connect to existing path at Cape Byron State Conservation Park

For a full list of Get NSW Active funding recipients, visit the Get NSW Active web page.

Minister for Transport John Graham said: 

“Everyone deserves travel options that are free, safe and healthy and this is what Get NSW Active funding is all about – getting people out from behind the wheel of the car and walking or riding across their neighbourhoods to connect with friends, family or get to public transport.

“The benefits of regular walking and riding are enormous, and we are providing the infrastructure that encourages those to become a daily habit.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“We’re committed to building even better, thriving communities, and active transport is a huge part of that – contributing to health and wellbeing, reducing traffic congestion.

“Our regional communities deserve better than paths to nowhere, dodgy pavement and inaccessible facilities. This funding will benefit dozens of regional communities.”