Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said today that Mildura Council had received $183,000 to improve local access to green travel options and overcome barriers to walking, cycling and catching public transport.
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government grant was part of a $2 million TravelSmart and Local Area Access Program (LAAP) package.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action now to keep Melbourne moving, unclog our road network and provide more accessible travel options for Victorians,” Ms Broad said.
“The Mildura – Cycling its way to better facilities project will be delivered thanks to this grant and will help to get more people to leave their cars at home and switch to more sustainable transport modes, as outlined in the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan”.
“These projects are part of our plan to encourage more people to leave their car at home for short local trips and use the Mildura sustainable transport network,” Ms Broad said.
The grants package will enable 14 organisations across Victoria to implement TravelSmart travel plans and complete small-scale infrastructure projects in their areas such as new cycling and walking paths, dedicated signage and pedestrian/cyclist traffic signalling.
“Our main goal is to change people’s behaviour through travel planning and reduce our dependence on cars. The benefits are numerous, including less traffic congestion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a more physically fit community,” Ms Broad said.
“Most local trips range from two to five kilometres, which is an easy distance to walk or cycle. Yet most people are using their cars for these short trips, contributing greatly to congestion and pollution.
“These grants enable local groups to implement transport improvements that benefit our community and our environment.”
Ms Broad said TravelSmart and LAAP Grants had delivered over $12.5 million funding to more than 90 local projects across the state.
“We are delighted to be able to support these innovative and practical projects that will improve access and liveability,” she said.
These local projects complement a $115 million suite of cycling improvements recently announced as part of the Brumby Labor Government’s Victorian Transport Plan, including upgrades to bicycle routes across Victoria, a public bike hire scheme in inner Melbourne and a regional rail trail program.
For more information on the TravelSmart and Local Area Access Program visit www.transport.vic.gov.au and www.travelsmart.vic.gov.au