The ACT Greens are urging the ACT Government to provide better paths and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, rather than focusing solely on roads.
Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Transport, criticised the government for including road projects in their $94 million active transport budget, which she argues do not benefit pedestrians or cyclists.
In budget estimates yesterday, Ms Clay and fellow Greens MLA Laura Nuttall pushed for clarity on how much funding was allocated to paths and cycle lanes.
“Everyone benefits from having safe and well-maintained paths in our suburbs and across our city,” Ms Clay said.
“Unfortunately, all across the city, we’re hearing from everyday Canberrans that we’re not getting the upgrades and repairs needed.
“While the City Services Minister [Tara Cheyne] and others in the ACT Government have claimed that $94 million is being spent on active transport, this figure includes many road projects, which don’t necessarily do anything for pedestrians or bike riders.
“New roads, road upgrades and road shoulders are not infrastructure for people to walk or ride around the city, especially if they don’t come with paths or separated bike lanes.
“Unfortunately, today I didn’t receive a clear explanation as to how much of this $94 million was actually going towards paths or cycle lanes. I look forward to getting details back on this from the minister.
“We know based on previous answers to questions on notice that at least $16 million of supposed ‘active travel’ funding had been for the Monaro Highway Upgrade, despite this project containing no walking or riding infrastructure.
“It is unconscionable for the ACT Government to continue counting road projects without paths or bike lanes as active travel infrastructure.
“Canberrans deserve a well-connected city with genuine options to get around without a car. This means buses and light rail, but it also means infrastructure for people to be able to walk or ride.
“The ACT Greens want to see greater investment in path infrastructure across our suburbs in order to make Canberra truly liveable city.”
