- New strategy provides long-term vision for cycling opportunities in the Kimberley
- Strategy to improve active transport infrastructure over the coming decades
- Eleventh strategy to be delivered as part of long-term cycle network planning
- Cook Government committed to supporting active, healthy lifestyles
The Cook Government has released a new strategy to guide future cycling opportunities across the Kimberley region to support active, healthy lifestyles, and boost tourism.
The Kimberley 2050 Cycling Strategy is the last of 11 initial regional strategies to be developed as part of long-term planning to enhance cycle networks across regional WA.
The strategies aim to guide investment in active travel infrastructure and programs through to 2050, with an initial focus on short-term actions to prioritise the delivery of projects over the next five years.
The regional strategies offer a blueprint for an active transport network for all ages and abilities, informed by broad consultation with local governments, schools, local organisations, residents, visitors, and the Aboriginal community.
Complementing the Kimberley region's local bike plans, the strategy will help develop further opportunities for cycle tourism and bike-packing, as well improve connectivity for people to access local services, visit family and friends, and explore the region's attractions.
The Cook Government has committed more than $2.6 million for new projects across the Kimberley region as part of the State Government's Western Australian Bicycle Network Grants Program.
This funding will boost connectivity in the short-term and pave the way for future active transport planning and projects.
The Kimberley 2050 Cycling Strategy was developed in collaboration with the community and the Shires of Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek, and Wyndham-East Kimberley.
To learn more about the strategy, visit: www.transport.wa.gov.au/ltcn .
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Kimberley 2050 Cycling Strategy will be key to guiding investment in cycling infrastructure over the coming decades to improve connectivity for locals and visitors to this incredible region.
"This vision has been developed by the community and identifies projects and programs that are important to locals that will encourage more people to embrace active transport.
"The Cook Government has now delivered cycling strategies for every region in WA and is continuing to invest in walking and riding infrastructure that is helping shape our communities.
"Improving active transport infrastructure in our regions is creating more active, connected communities as well as supporting tourism opportunities that boost local economies."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"The Kimberley 2050 Cycling Strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with our community and local governments.
"Providing more active transport choices helps make our communities more inclusive and liveable, delivering a range of social, economic, and environmental benefits for locals.
"Improving active transport infrastructure across the region will also open more opportunities for bicycle tourism which will support our local economy in the long-term.
"It will be exciting to see this strategy progress, and I thank everyone who has contributed to this shared commitment to supporting more people to walk, wheel, and ride."
