Media release – Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, 1 August 2023

Delivering active transport solutions to reduce congestion

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing in active transport to boost cycling and walking, in order to reduce traffic congestion.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the $8.8 million Better Active Transport in Tasmania Grant Program supports local councils to provide active transport infrastructure, such as cycleways and shared pathways, around the State.

The Program will be split across the regions, with $2 million committed for the South, $3 million for the North and $3.8 million for the North-West/West.

Potential projects could include upgraded, new or extended:
*    tactical cycleways to inform future permanent street design;
*    on-road, separated cycleways; and
*    shared pathways.

“This program provides an opportunity for local government partners to develop and construct upgraded, new or extended active transport infrastructure at priority locations, leading to healthier communities and reduced traffic,” Minister Ferguson said.

“Improved amenity, ease of use and improved safety will encourage more Tasmanians to cycle, wheel or walk.

“The grant program will also increase the capacity of local government to design and build active transport infrastructure.”

The grant program will run annually over a four-year period, or until funds are exhausted.

Applications opened at 10am on Monday, 31 July 2023. For any questions, please contact [email protected].

Media release – Climate Tasmania, 2 August 2023

130 registered to discuss transport as the next stop for emissions reductions in lutruwita/Tasmania

 Wednesday 2nd August, 6-7.30pm, Hobart Brewing Co.

130 people, including politicians, industry leaders and community, have registered to attend a forum tonight on why transport is the next stop for emissions reductions in lutruwita/Tasmania.

Last year, the Tasmanian Government committed to a target of net zero emissions by 2030. But our net zero status isn’t secured, given our continuing emissions and reliance on unpredictable land use and forestry offsets.

Transport, Tasmania’s second highest emitting sector at 21%, provides excellent potential for abatement of carbon emissions in the short term. But with electric vehicle ownership at less than 1% and public transport and active transport use low, more needs to be done to incentivise uptake.

Speakers:

  • Dr Sarah Russell (Director of the Climate Change Office of Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania)
  • Professor Richard Eccleston (Director of the Tasmanian Policy Exchange)
  • Alison Hetherington (Public Affairs Advisor for the Bicycle Network Tasmania)
  • Anthony Broese van Groenou (Co-founder and Director at Good Car Co.)
  • Rachel Hay (author of Climate Tasmania’s recent paper on transport sector decarbonisation).

“Reducing emissions in Tasmania’s transport sector is the next stop for climate action in lutruwita/Tasmania,” Rachel Hay, researcher and Climate Tasmania member, said.

“With the Tasmanian Government currently developing the plan for transport sector decarbonisation due by the end of the year, there’s no better time to talk about reforming Tasmania’s transport.

“The emissions reductions needed in our transport sector is an opportunity to not just make it better for the planet, but also for our people.

“The Tasmanian Government should seek to incentivise electric vehicle purchases, increase public transport services and make active transport safer.”