WESTCYCLE: FEDERAL GOVT’S $100M ACTIVE TRAVEL INVESTMENT IS A GOOD START

WestCycle sends kudos to the Federal Government for today announcing a $100m Active Transport Fund to develop the country’s riding and walking infrastructure.

While there are no specifics revealed as yet for how the Fund will be spent, the Albanese Government said it wants, “infrastructure that helps people get to school, work and local services safely without needing to jump in the car.”

Active travel’s environmental and cost-of-living benefits

WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw welcomed the initial investment while highlighting the fact vehicle alternatives are critical to our collective future transport, environment and community needs – and further commitments will be required.

“Well done to the government for committing these funds to active travel – which is an evidence-based transport winner from a climate and community point of view,” Bradshaw said.

“Minister King notes better investment in shared paths builds better and safer communities – she’s absolutely right. Not only that, it is a cheaper way to get around when the basic cost-of-living is impacting so many people and families. Replacing a car with a bike or e-bike can save $12,000 a year.”

“Governments around the world are realising cycling and micromobility provides easy wins to reduce the traffic congestion that annoys us all, meet carbon reduction targets and is a valuable contributor to any economy ($18.6bn in Australia in 2022).”

“More than that, it is increasingly what our country’s communities want and we look forward to greater active travel commitments from all governments across the country going forward.”

Thriving communities

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “We want communities to thrive whether they be in cities or in the regions.”

“We are investing to build economic opportunity and also the opportunity for people to enjoy the spaces and places they live in, building connection and improving safety.”

The Active Transport Fund will kick into action on July 1 2025 after “consultation with states and territories”.

Find out more about WestCycle’s Active Travel advocacy here.

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Tim Roach

Elected Director | Off Road

Tim has been in senior leadership and strategic development roles for more than twenty years. He is currently Director of Executive Education in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University and is a past Assistant Commissioner and General Manager in the public service. He is an Accountant (FCPA) and sits on the Divisional Council of CPA Australia.

Tim has been involved in racing mountain bikes, BMX and triathlon for many years, both as a father of two children who race and as a past and current bike racer. Tim is the current over-50 State Champion in downhill mountain biking. He is also a very regular and enthusiastic transport cyclist; frequently seen in a suit and tie riding to meetings in the city on a mountain bike.

Denise Sullivan

Chair | Governance & Risk Committee

Denise Sullivan has a career spanning over twenty years in senior management and executive roles in the state public and not-for-profit health sectors.

In her usual role of Director Chronic Disease Prevention with the Western Australian Department of Health, she leads the development of state chronic disease and injury prevention policy and planning frameworks and contributes to the shaping of the national preventive health policy agenda.

Her professional interests cover many aspects of chronic disease and injury prevention encompassing health communications, health promotion and research, public policy on health and workforce planning and development.

She has a particular interest in furthering collaborations with other sectors with a mutual interest in promoting a more active and healthier WA community, and creating and sustaining environments that support this. Denise is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Leadership WA Signature Program, and an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian College of Health Service Managers.

Denise is a recreational cyclist and recent convert to mountain biking (although trainer wheels still on!).