Janet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

() (): I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the tragic death of a cyclist in Melbourne recently, who was struck and killed by a truck while riding a busy cycle route in the city's inner west,

(ii) the work of cycling advocates in calling for improved infrastructure and safety measures to ensure people have the freedom to ride safely,

(iii) the importance of well-designed and properly funded infrastructure to support cycling as a healthy, clean and efficient mode of transport for Australians of all ages,

(iv) that our cities suffer from traffic congestion and pollution, which can be relieved by providing people with safe cycling routes,

(v) the National Cycling Participation Survey 2015 showed that four million people ride their bike each week in Australia,

(vi) that the National Cycling Strategy aimed to double the number of people riding a bike between 2011 and 2016, yet rider numbers remained relatively unchanged over that period, and

(vii) that the Federal Government funds a range of transport modes, yet provides very little funding to active transport; and

(b) calls on the Government to invest in cycling infrastructure in the upcoming Budget, to reflect the nationally significant role of cycling as a transport mode in Australia and the need to ensure the safety of everyone who rides.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government already contribute to active transport projects through our Infrastructure Investment program, Building Better Regions Fund, financial assistance grants, our road safety initiatives and our support for the Australian Bicycle Council. The Transport and Infrastructure Council agreed in August 2016 to the 2015 implementation report of the National Cycling Strategy and agreed to extend the funding for the Australian Bicycle Council until the end of 2017. It also agreed that the Transport and Infrastructure Senior Officials Committee would consider options for a national or state and territory approach to active transport for 2018 onwards. Safety is a priority of the government and we have a range of measures in place targeted at safety improvements on our national network.

Question agreed to.