The Tasmanian Government should re-fund its Better Active Transport grants scheme to make the most of $500 million in federal government funding, Bicycle Network said today.
“The $500 million for the Active Transport Fund announced in last night’s federal budget is a golden opportunity for the state to leverage those funds to get more for local communities,” Tasmanian spokesperson Alison Hetherington said.
“Federal grant programs usually require 50/50 matched funding and our local councils cannot always afford that contribution.
“If the state government helps local councils to make up those contributions it means we can be in the running for the full allocation of those grants.
“Cost of living pressures means people are looking for alternatives to car travel and governments at all levels should be making it easier for people to walk, ride, run, skate and scoot to get around.
“Making it easier for people to fit exercise into their day also contributes to better health outcomes, reducing pressure on our hospitals,” Ms Hetherington said.
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