Applications open to encourage more active travel

• Local governments can now apply for the Western Australian Bicycle Network Grants Program
• $28 million in funding available over the next four years to assist local governments to design and construct active travel infrastructure
• The metropolitan stream will focus on projects that boost connectivity to new and upgraded METRONET stations
• The regional stream remains unchanged and will continue prioritising connectivity and recreation opportunities
• Since 2017, the Cook Labor Government has invested or allocated more than $600 million towards expanding our active transport network

Applications are now open for $28 million in funding through the WA Labor Government's Western Australian Bicycle Network (WABN) Grants Program.

Local governments can apply for the grants, which provide dollar-for-dollar support for the design and construction of safe, accessible and connected active transport infrastructure and initiatives.

For the new metropolitan intake, the program will focus on supporting projects within two kilometres of new METRONET stations, to help fill significant gaps to key public transport sites.

This will mean better active transport connections to the more than 20 new and upgraded train stations being delivered throughout Perth as part of the METRONET program.

The regional intake will remain the same as previous years, continuing to prioritise connectivity to town centres and schools, as well as cycle tourism and recreational opportunities.

The WABN Grants Program will now also consider a four-year funding period for awarded projects, which helps to facilitate higher value initiatives and improve long-term planning for walking and riding infrastructure.

This grants program is a key initiative of the WABN Plan 2014-2031 and aims to facilitate and encourage people of all ages and abilities to walk, wheel and ride as part of their everyday journeys and experiences, more often.

Since 2017, the WA Labor Government has invested $38 million to deliver 165 kilometres of high-quality paths across metropolitan and regional precincts through the program.

Submissions are open until 5pm on Friday, 6 September 2024. Visit the WABN Grants Program webpage for more information and to apply.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"There are countless benefits to walking and riding, which is why our Government continues working to make WA a place where active travel is a safe, connected, convenient and widely accepted form of transport.

"This grants program allows us to partner with local government to deliver infrastructure that gives more people more choice in how they get to where they need to go, and create communities that are fluid, interactive, inclusive and connected.

"We continue to transform Perth's suburbs through our METRONET program, so naturally it makes sense to focus the metropolitan grants on projects that enhance METRONET connectivity, which ultimately gives people more choice in how they move around our city.

"Active travel is a healthy, cost-effective and sustainable way to get around, and by better aligning our funding programs to the long-term cycle network for Perth, Peel and across our regions, we will deliver better-connected and more vibrant towns and cities."