Ms BURNET – Minister, the last household travel survey was published in 2019 and we are waiting for the 2023 survey to be released. Do we know when that is likely to be?
Mr ABETZ – Well, I did not really know there was such a survey. So, thank you very much, Ms Burnet, for advising all these wonderful things I am finding out.
Ms BURNET – Well, it is pretty important just to see where everybody comes from and how they get there. Points out how poor our public transport system is faring.
Mr ABETZ – It’s being finalised but no date as yet for when it will be released.
Ms BURNET – Just in relation to active transport, we heard today from the Premier that the Tasman Bridge upgrades aren’t favourable for pedestrians nor for cyclists. It’s very likely that’s going to be very limited and not conducive or any better for pedestrians or cyclists.
What are the priorities of the Better Active Transport Program which is funded in the current Budget at $1 million per year, this year and next? Because councils are very concerned about the funding running out before projects are complete. Just so that you know that the budget dedicated to cycling infrastructure reduces to just $500 000 per annum in forward Estimates.
Mr ABETZ – These are infrastructure matters and that’s why the Premier was answering earlier this morning. I’ll hand over to the Secretary who has oversight on all these things.
Mr LIMKIN – Thank you, Minister, and through you, increasing infrastructure for and the awareness of people walking, wheelchair and riding and active transport is pivotal to improving our transport made a choice in Tasmania.
Since 2015, the Tasmanian Government has made significant direct investment totalling $15.5 million into active transport infrastructure programs in relation to the Better Active Transport Grant Program. It was launched in 2023. Round one and two saw a total of $9.15 million approved to councils, with a total value of projects being $14.47 million.
The Greater Hobart Cycling Plan was endorsed by the then minister for Infrastructure and Transport in January 2023 and the Tasmanian Cycling Infrastructure Design guidelines we’ve undertaken targeted stakeholder engagement between November 2023 and August 2024. I understand they’re approved and published in September.
