Bike network chances improving
by Michael Gormly
The City of Sydney is still pursuing Federal infrastructure money to fund a $265 million network of cycle routes connecting the city to 15 surrounding council areas.
Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese put his money elsewhere in the previous spend, granting $2 billion for projects from the NSW Government’s wish list including the Rozelle to Central mini-metro rail line.
But this time the bike plan seems to have a better chance.
Infrastructure Australia has requested more information about the cycle network including a business plan. This is being read as a hopeful sign, said a City of Sydney spokesman.
And Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan is reportedly considering the funding of ‘bikeways’ following a question from Greens Senator Bob Brown during the Senate review of the new $42 billion stimulus package.
The City has lodged the application on behalf of surrounding Councils as part of the Commonwealth Capital Cities Lord Mayors’ Forum.
Spending on roads is a high priority for the Federal Government. The previous spending package also included $580 million to expand the Hunter Valley rail system, which would benefit the NSW coal industry. The lack of major spending on climate change is attracting criticism.
The City points out that the proposed cycleway network is ‘ready to go’, making it an ideal stimulus for immediate job creation as well as being environmentally sustainable, reducing congestion and air pollution, and improving people’s health.
‘A destination-focused, integrated network is vital to encourage the switch to sustainable and healthy cycling. Major cities around the world have found that delivering safe, separated bicycle lanes has dramatically increased their number of cyclists,’ said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
Meanwhile Infrastructure Australia is reportedly not impressed with the NSW submission for funding, which it says lacks detail such as the economic benefits of particular projects and is unclear about the State’s railway-building strategy.
