The Healthy Spaces and Places Coalition has applauded the release of the Federal Government’s
Walking, Riding and Access to Public Transport white paper, by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Infrastructure and Transport, Hon Anthony Albanese.

With the release, the Australian Government describes its plan of how it will work to increase the
proportion of people walking and riding for short trips, and accessing public transport, in our
communities, detailed in Walking, Riding and Access to Public Transport: Supporting Active Travel
in Australian Communities.

The Healthy Spaces and Places Coalition, a joint initiative between the Heart Foundation, the
Planning Institute of Australia and the Australian Local Government Association said it was a
momentous day – to see the government prioritising and responding to active travel modes such as
walking, cycling and public transport.

Healthy Spaces and Places Coalition spokesperson Dr Robert Grenfell, and National Cardiovascular
Health Director at the Heart Foundation, said the release of the policy was a landmark step by the
government as it is the first ever federal policy on active travel and shows the multiple benefits to
health, wellbeing, environment, productivity and transport.

“We know that people who engage in more active forms of transport, in the form of public transport,
cycling or walking, are much more likely to get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity a
day, which has significant long term health benefits and supports national productivity,” said Dr
Grenfell.

Walking, Riding and Access to Public Transport, details the high cost car dependency has on health
and traffic congestion and how helping to build active, social communities through walking and
cycling can benefit Australia.

Healthy Places and Spaces Coalition was pleased to see the principles of its healthy urban design
guide, Healthy Places and Spaces, specifically listed as a way to encourage more walking and
cycling. Though providing best practice examples and guidance, Healthy Spaces and Places
resources support communities, businesses and local governments to plan for active travel in their
local areas.

Healthy Spaces and Places provides guidance to local governments from experts in health,
planning, urban design, community safety and transport planning on how to design active, healthy
neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

For more information on active living, or any of the Healthy Spaces and Places resources or training
visit www.healthyplaces.org.au.
Healthy Spaces and Places Coalition spokesperson Dr Robert Grenfell