Over $10.5 million in local government grants to encourage cycling and walking in Queensland

Walking and cycling networks are being developed across Queensland through State Government funding of over $10.5 million in local government grants to build 40 new active transport projects.

These projects include walking network plans for 26 Queensland towns, which will be prepared by 16 local governments as far afield as Cassowary Coast, Banana and Longreach, as well as for key centres within Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.

The funding builds on the $9.3 million already committed to projects underway with local governments.

The investment is part of Queensland’s Big Build, with $328 million committed over the next four years towards standalone active transport initiatives, including bikeways, shared paths and bridges across the state.

Some of the 40 new projects include:

• $2.7 million to construct the Currumbin Oceanway from the Surf life Saving Club to Tomewin Street.

• $1.1 million to construct a shared path along Renwick Road, from Carnation Street to Stanbury Street, in Proserpine.

• $1 million to construct more of the Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway along Oceanic Drive, from Coonang Crescent to Koorin Drive in Warana.

• Over $860,000 to construct stage 4 of the Pioneer River North Bank shared path, from the Bruce Highway to Discovery Lane, in Mackay.

• Over $440,000 to construct a shared path along Philip Street, from Dave Burns Drive to Stockland Gladstone Shopping Centre, in Gladstone.

• Over $260,000 to design a shared path from Adidi Street in Bamaga to the wharf in Seisia.

• Over $500,000 in walking grants have been provided through the Walking Local Government Grants program, which also funds projects on a matched 50/50 basis.

QLD Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey noted “we know Queenslanders love being active – in fact, an average of 800,000 people ride an e-scooter, bike or walk to work or school every week.

“The Cycle Network Local Government Grants program supports local government all across Queensland to deliver priority bike routes in their area, helping connect the state on two wheels.

“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs, meaning this investment has a value of nearly $60 million to Queenslanders.”

Recipients of 2023–24 Cycle Network Local Government Grants include:

• Banana Shire Council

• Brisbane City Council

• Bundaberg Regional Council

• Cassowary Coast Regional Council

• Central Highlands Regional Council

• Fraser Coast Regional Council

• Gladstone Regional Council

• Gold Coast City Council

• Lockyer Valley Regional Council

• Logan City Council

• Mackay Regional Council

• Maranoa Regional Council

• Moreton Bay Regional Council

• Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council

• Redland City Council

• Somerset Regional Council

• South Burnett Regional Council

• Sunshine Coast Regional Council

• Whitsunday Regional Council.

Recipients of 2023–24 Walking Local Government Grants include:

• Banana Shire Council

• Brisbane City Council

• Bundaberg Regional Council

• Burdekin Shire Council

• Cassowary Coast Regional Council

• Etheridge Shire Council

• Flinders Shire Council

• Isaac Regional Council

• Longreach Regional Council

• Murweh Shire Council

• North Burnett Regional Council

• Scenic Rim Regional Council

• Somerset Regional Council

• Sunshine Coast Regional Council

• Tablelands Regional Council

• Western Downs Regional Council.

For more information about the Cycle Network Local Government Grants program

For more information about the Walking Local Government Grants program

Image top: Cycling in Sunshine Coast. Credit: Visit Sunshine Coast; Image above: Scenic Rim walking