State Budget delivers a cleaner, greener way to travel

The Brumby Labor Government is delivering on its Victorian Transport Plan commitment to build a more environmentally-friendly transport system, with an investment of $27.8 million in the 2009 State Budget for green transport initiatives.

The Minister for Road and Ports, Tim Pallas, said the 2009 State Budget boost would allow for immediate action on a number of projects designed to cut vehicle emissions and ensure an environmentally friendly future for Victorians and the transport network.

Mr Pallas said the suite of 2009 State Budget measures was in addition to the biggest single investment in Victoria’s public transport network of more than $2 billion and reforms to align planning for new transport projects with town planning.

“Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing our state’s future – and the way we travel has a massive role to play in minimising the impacts of greenhouse pollution,” Mr Pallas said.

“That is why the 2009 State Budget delivers funding to boost cycling, car pooling and low emission vehicles.”

Key sustainable transport investments in this year’s State Budget include:

• $13.2 million to increase and improve cycling infrastructure – including bike paths, lanes and other facilities – in and around Melbourne, securing up to 23 jobs in construction;
• $5 million to help set up a public bicycle hire system in inner Melbourne;
• $5.4 million to promote and encourage carpooling; and
• $4.2 million to increase the use of low emission vehicles in Victoria.

The $13.2 million over two years – combined with existing funding around specific road projects – is the first instalment to fulfil the Brumby Labor Government's commitment to dedicate at least $18 million a year towards cycling infrastructure from the commencement of the Victorian Transport Plan until the end of the 2013-14 financial year.

Over the past 10 years, the Government has built 926 kilometres of paths and on-road cycling facilities – further than from Melbourne to Sydney, and the 2009 State Budget delivers even more improvements outlined in the $115 million Victorian Cycling Strategy announced in March.

“New bike paths will be built in and around Melbourne, including the extension of the Federation Trail between Millers Road, Altona and Williamstown Road, Yarraville,” Mr Pallas said.

The $13.2 million boost also provides for the planning of:

• Bicycle facilities along Queensberry St from Rathdowne St to Swanston St, part of a longer term plan for a Northern Bypass of the CBD extending from the Maribyrnong River Trail;
• An extended Forest Hill Pipe Track bike path;
• Bike facilities for William and Latrobe streets in the CBD; and
• A commuter bike route in Prahran.

These projects, together with the projects commencing in 2009-10 listed in the Victorian Cycling Strategy, will significantly improve cycling networks for Melbourne and regional Victoria.

“In addition, a public bike hire scheme once fully operational will see 50 bicycle stations – with about 600 bikes for public hire – set up around key Melbourne locations, including Southbank, St Kilda Road and the CBD,” Mr Pallas said.

“These projects aim to make it easier than ever before to cycle around Melbourne.

“This investment package will encourage people who do not regularly cycle to hop on a bike and discover the benefits to their health and our environment.”

Mr Pallas said funding for carpooling initiatives would allow more people to learn about the unique benefits of carpooling and find like-minded travellers with whom to carpool.

“Carpooling is in most cases a cheaper and more environmentally friendly commuting option and can lower the volume of traffic on our roads,” Mr Pallas said.

“If we can reduce the number of single passenger vehicles on our roads, particularly in peak periods, we will be able to use our roads more efficiently and reduce congestion on our road network.”

Mr Pallas said an increased focus on low emission vehicles would address private and Victorian Government vehicle use.

“As part of this investment, we will set mandatory carbon emission targets for Government vehicle fleets,” he said.

“We will also support Victorian companies to reduce pollution produced by vehicles, by encouraging them to invest in low-emission vehicles and set voluntary emission reduction targets.

“This overall investment in sustainable transport options ensures we are building on our Victorian Transport Plan commitments and helping to create a cleaner, greener Victoria for future generations.”