The 26-cent a litre fuel tax cut is expected to expire on June 30th. Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out an immediate extension ahead of the federal budget, suggesting that the government is open to alternatives to easing the fuel crisis.
In a joint national statement, WestCycle has joined a national coalition of transport and public health organisations* providing practical measures that would help households cut fuel use and ease cost‑of‑living pressures by making it easier to walk, ride and use public transport for everyday trips.
These practical actions can make a real difference to reducing fuel use and keeping Australians moving – while easing cost of living and improving public health through increased physical activity, for example.
The nine ideas are:
- Crossings and footpaths near schools, shops and stops
- Pop-up bike lanes on key commuter routes
- More frequent public transport services
- Pop-up bus-priority lanes
- Shorter wait times at push-button crossings
- Fuel-saving speed limits
- $100 vouchers for bicycle repairs
- Rapid grants for bike parking and end-of-trip upgrades
- $500 vouchers to buy a bicycle.
WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw said the fuel crisis highlighted the need to give people real alternatives to driving less, not just advice to drive less.
“When fuel prices are high, families feel it immediately. Most daily trips are short, in fact about two thirds of car journeys in Perth are under 5km,” Bradshaw said.
“Many of these trips could be done by walking, riding or public transport if safe, convenient options were available.”
He added: “These are proven ideas that can be rolled out fast, saving households money and freeing up fuel for people who genuinely need it like people in the regions, tradies, shift workers and families in outer suburbs.”
WestCycle will work with governments and local councils across Western Australia to help turn these ideas into on‑the‑ground solutions that people can use immediately.
The full national joint statement is here.
Western Australia media enquiries
Shane Starling
WestCycle Communications Manager
Phone: 0492 897 199
Email: shane.starling@westcycle.org.au
National media contact
Stephen Hodge, Director – National Advocacy, WeRide Australia, stephen@weride.org.au , 0411 149 910
*Coalition
These initiatives have been developed and are supported by the following transport and health sector organisations:
- Australian Health Promotion Association
- Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity
- Better Streets
- Bicycle Network
- Bicycle New South Wales
- Bicycle Queensland
- Bike SA
- Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia
- Pedal Power
- Queensland Walks
- 10,000 Steps
- WestCycle
- WeRide Australia
