Perth City Deal to boost cycling and walking connections in CBD

• $105 million in Perth City Deal to implement Perth Greater CBD Transport Plan
• Funding builds on recently announced initiatives including the new Causeway Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists
• New initiatives include upgrading Roe Street, Aberdeen Street Bike Lanes and Kings Park Shared Path
• Part of $1.5 billion City Deals package to re-energise the Perth CBD

More than $100 million worth of projects to improve sustainable transport outcomes in the CBD, including cycling and walking connections in Perth CBD have been earmarked in today's Perth City Deal.

The City Deal allocates $105 million towards 15 projects that were recently highlighted in the Perth Greater CBD Transport Plan - a shared transport vision between the State Government and City of Perth.

The Perth Greater CBD Transport Plan was developed to guide the transport future of Perth's city centre to enhance liveability, support new business opportunities and attract visitors and new residents. The plan has a vision to help create a safe, connected and more vibrant CBD.

The Transport Plan will improve pedestrian and cycling linkages through the City, as well as activating connections between the foreshore, cultural assets, recreational areas and accommodation developments.

The $105 million includes funding for a range of initiatives that will make it easier to walk and cycle between different parts of Perth CBD, and include:

• Swan River Causeway Bridge linking East Perth with Victoria Park via Heirisson Island
• Upgrading the Kings Park Road Shared Path
• Improving the Spring Street and Mounts Bay Road Bike Connection
• Upgrading Aberdeen Street bike lanes
• Upgrading Northbridge Laneways
• Wellington Street Bike Lane upgrade
• Upgrading the Riverside Drive Shared Path
• Accessibility upgrades at bus stops
• Completing the parallel walk conversions at signalised intersections
• The Roe Street Enhancement (including road upgrades, wider footpaths, improved bike lanes, landscaping, lighting, CCTV, paving and street furniture).

These upgrades will help encourage more people to consider cycling, walking or catching public transport through the Perth CBD. Funding will also be allocated towards programs that encourage more commuters to use active transport options, while helping to reduce vehicle traffic and congestion.

The City Deals aims to re-energise the Perth CBD and encourage more people into the city, supporting local jobs and businesses.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The City Deal builds on the McGowan Government's record investment in cycling infrastructure across Perth and regional WA.

"Cyclists are embracing Perth's expanding bike network like never before and we are eager to harness this success by formalising Perth's status as the cycling capital of Australia.

"The Perth Greater CBD Transport Plan started out as an aspiration for what our City's transport could eventually look like and today that blueprint is one step closer to becoming a reality.

"These upgrades will fix missing connections in our CBD cycling network and encourage even more people to walk and ride throughout our city centre."

Comments attributed to Perth MLA John Carey:

"I made an election commitment to improve walking and cycling connections in Perth CBD and I'm happy to see serious inroads into this promise.

"Wider Perth is serviced by excellent cycling links, but the challenge has been creating a better cycling network within the city itself.

"These projects will make it safer and easier to get through the CBD on foot or by bike, which has enormous flow on benefits for local businesses and inner-city vibrancy.

"Perth CBD has a lot to offer and we can leverage these great attractions when we have more cyclists, more pedestrians and fewer cars." 

Minister's office - 6552 5500