Published Thursday, 14 December, 2017 at 01:14 PM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads

The Honourable Mark Bailey

Local government leaders are being reminded to get on their bikes and apply for cycling infrastructure funding before it’s too late.

The latest round of grant funding is available up until December 20 this year, and can be accessed by the 48 councils with an endorsed Principal Cycle Network Plan.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was matching funding for cycling projects on a 50:50 basis as part of the 2018-19 Cycle Network Local Government Grants program.

“The Queensland Government is committed to accelerating the delivery of the principal cycle network across the state as part of the Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017-27 released in August this year,” Mr Bailey said.

“We want to make sure there are safe and convenient transport options for everyone, no matter where they live in Queensland.

“Cycling is a smart way to do that because 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.”

“We have allocated $17 million to cycling projects across Queensland in 2017-18 under the Cycle Network Local Government Grants program.

“And since 2006, we have awarded grants to more than 482 cycling infrastructure projects as part of the program.

“With more than 802,000 Queenslanders cycling each week and 1.53 million wanting to ride if the conditions were right, it is vital they are supported by good planning and investment in safe infrastructure”

“Supporting local governments to deliver cycling infrastructure projects is also another way we are creating more local jobs.”

For more information about the grants, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Cycling

Media contact: Dominic Geiger 0447 355 565