Gold Coast receives $410,000 for safer cycling infrastructure

Cyclists on the Gold Coast will enjoy safer cycling infrastructure following a $410,000 funding boost to the Queensland cycle network.

Local governments across Queensland with an endorsed Principal Cycle Network Plan were invited to apply for grants from the state-wide Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Acting Main Roads Minister Steven Miles announced as part of Governing from the Gold Coast that Gold Coast City Council had been awarded funding for two cycling infrastructure projects through the 2017-18 grants program.

Projects awarded funding include:

  • $210,000 – Gold Coast Highway Shared Path (Chelsea Ave to Convention Centre) Construction
  • $200,000 – Tugun to Bilinga Oceanway Design

“The Tugun to Bilinga Oceanway will run along the ocean foreshore between Toolona Street and Matters Street, connecting to existing oceanway at either end,” Mr Miles said.

“The detailed design of the 1.7km, 3.5m wide link in Tugun will include mid and end of trip facilities.

“We’re also committing $210,000 towards the construction of the Gold Coast Highway Shared Path which will be 380 metres of off road shared path along the western side of the Gold Coast Highway between Chelsea Avenue and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.”

Mr Miles said the Palaszczuk Government has awarded $17 million to 30 local governments across Queensland for the delivery of an additional 35 kilometres of cycle network.

“The program has jointly funded more than 480 cycling infrastructure projects since 2006, including the latest round of grants,” he said.

The projects are part of a $182.5 million investment into cycling infrastructure across the state over the next four years including an injection of an extra $4.7 million per year for the grants program, to deliver on the Queensland Government’s vision of ‘more cycling more often’.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to making cycling safer and more accessible for communities across Queensland,” Mr Miles said.

“Investment in safer cycling infrastructure helps people to enjoy active and healthy travel around their community.

“Projects delivered through this program will deliver better facilities for cyclists, improve the safety and convenience of local cycle networks and encourage more people to cycle, more often.

“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in cycling infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs.

“Working with local governments to deliver these projects also contributes to our commitment of creating more local jobs.”

Works on these projects are expected to start progressively throughout this year and next, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Councils are awarded funding for cycling infrastructure on a 50/ 50 basis.

For more information on Cycle Network Local Government Grants, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au.

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