Over $50 million being invested in active transport infrastructure like footpaths and cycleways by the NSW Government, including funding for three local projects.
Under the Get NSW Active program, more than 50 construction-ready projects across the state have received funding, including 40 in regional NSW. The focus is on building and upgrading walking and cycling paths that give people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to move around their communities without relying on a car.
In North Tamworth, a major upgrade will soon begin with $2.39 million committed to a new three-metre-wide shared path along Forest Road. This path will connect the Tamworth Mountain Bike Park to Idyllic Street and provide a much-needed safe route for residents travelling into the CBD.
Tamworth will also benefit from a $118,000 design investment for a new shared path along the Tamworth CBD flood levee, running from Paradise Bridge to Jewry Street. Once completed, it will link locals to the CBD and Bicentennial Park, creating an accessible and scenic route through town.
Nearby in Gunnedah, safety for pedestrians is front of mind. The Conadilly–Henry Street intersection—a heavily trafficked zone frequented by 26-metre B-double trucks—will be made safer with a $758,000 upgrade to the pedestrian crossing. The area is a key point for school children, churchgoers and local shoppers, making the improvement a high priority for the community.
These are just a few of the regional projects now in motion across NSW. Others include a $4.9 million shared path in Wagga Wagga, a $3.3 million path in Kyogle connecting residents to local recreation areas, and the creation of “The Lismore Boulevard”, a six-metre-wide path linking Lismore’s CBD, hospital and parks.
Transport Minister John Graham said the funding delivers on a promise to provide “travel options that are free, safe and healthy”.
“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,” he said.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the benefits of active transport go far beyond just getting from A to B.
“Active transport is a huge part of building thriving communities. It improves health and wellbeing while easing traffic congestion.”
“Our regional communities deserve better than paths to nowhere, dodgy pavement and inaccessible facilities,” she said.
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