A new strategy designed to create communities where active transport such as walking, cycling or scooting is the preferred mode of transportation for short journeys, has been adopted by council.
The Active Transport Strategy, replacing the 2007 Walking and Cycling Strategy, has an aspirational goal of transforming Campaspe communities into national role models for walking and cycling by pursuing a "Gold Standard" approach to the provision of active transport services and infrastructure.
Campaspe Mayor Cr Adrian Wilson said "The strategy provides a framework for setting priorities to increase walking and cycling in towns across the shire. This could be through identified infrastructure, services or education programs to help residents make active transport their first choice".
The strategy addresses the day-to-day mobility needs of communities using active modes of transport as the basis for improving the quality of life for all residents.
"Apart from creating more mobile and connected communities where people can get around more easily and safely, the opportunity to deliver services and infrastructure that will encourage walking or cycling instead of driving, is of high importance to council," the Mayor said.
"When you consider that Campaspe's population has a much higher obesity rate than the state average, 33 per cent compared to 19 per cent, finding tangible ways of improving health and wellbeing outcomes, must be a top priority for our community."
The three areas of focus within the strategy, informed by the community engagement process as key opportunities to maximise the impact of any investment, are:
- getting to school by walking and cycling
- creating walking and cycling towns, and
- connected and liveable development.
The strategy also identifies a roadmap for turning our communities into leaders in active transport innovation and uptake by pursuing large scale changes in our towns to encourage active transport.
The strategy is only the first step in turning our neighbourhoods into field leaders for walking and cycling. The adoption of the strategy enables the preparation of localised infrastructure plans for critical sites and localities in consultation with local communities. This in turn will allow the development of infrastructure and services that respond to local issues, removing barriers to walking and cycling and encouraging increased participation.
In line with the recommendations of the strategy, council will investigate opportunities for the provision and support of community programmes that increase walking and cycling such as Walk to School Month and other similar programmes.
Simultaneously council will also progress towards seeking funding from the state government and other potential funding partners to implement the strategy, pursuing the "Gold Standard" outcomes identified in the strategy.
