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 In this newsletter we are very pleased to provide you with information
and updates of interest to the entire cycling sector. The largest
investment ever by the federal government is now being rolled out
across the country and we have all the details for the large number of
funding announcements.
Also in this newsletter is information on a range of activities to
encourage cycling and to gain greater Commonwealth funding for cycling
infrastructure as well as effective interventions to increase cycling,
specifically:
Commonwealth National Bike Paths Fund: Successful projects announced
The long awaited announcements of the successful projects funded under the $40 million National Bike Paths Project Fund
are finally being rolled out around Australia, generating very good
media coverage for cycling. We are happy to note that the stimulus
funding has provided great incentives for local councils and state
governments to speed up the roll out of cycling infrastructure
networks.
At the 28th of October 2009, 130 projects have been announced
of the value of $25 million generating more than $50 million of new
cycling infrastructure around Australia. The final figure will be in
the order of $100 million this year! The projects will not only provide
local employment but also will play an instrumental role in encouraging
healthy lifestyles, by making it easier for people to cycle or walk in
their local neighbourhood. For all the details of the projects
announced so far click on the link for your state below.
As further announcements are made, we will update these lists on our website. Why not send a thank you letter or email to your Federal Member of Parliament,
the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Local Government and your local council for their vision and commitment
to invest into infrastructure which will leave a legacy for the
community and will encourage and promote healthy and sustainable
living. The CPF is committed to advocate for the continuation of this
popular program.
Second Round of Community Infrastructure Projects announced
The Commonwealth Government has announced the second round
of the popular community infrastructure funding which will inject
another $220 million into community infrastructure. This is a key
opportunity for Councils who have missed out on earlier jobs funding
but still have cycling projects ready to roll out and can use
Commonwealth Stimulus funding to make those projects a reality.The $220
million injection into the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure
Program will be delivered as follows:
- $100 million is being allocated to all 566 of Australia's councils(565 councils plus the ACT) on a formula basis ; and
- $120 million for larger Strategic Projects will be available on a competitive basis.
- Deadline for councils to submit a list of projects they will implement with their allocated funding is: 20th November 2009
- Deadline for applications for the strategic projects is: 15th of January 2010
The amount of funding that will be allocated to each individual council is listed on the following link:http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/local/files/2009_RLCIP_allocations.pdf
Momentum to change tax system to encourage cycling is building
Research
by the CPF has highlighted that tax incentives are considered an
effective motivation to encourage more Australians to cycle to work.
The Cycling Promotion Fund has made a submission to the Henry Tax Review calling for changes to the current tax system including considering tax incentives for bicycles.
It is terrific to see that the ACT Government is considering allowing public servants choose to purchase a bike or bus ticket instead of a car, as part of their salary package.
The City of Sydney is also calling for a review of the current tax system
which actively encourages people to drive and does not reward those who
make sustainable transport choices by cycling or catching public
transport. According to the Lord Mayor "people who contribute towards
reducing congestion and pollution and the burden on our health system
should be rewarded". After months of public consultation, the Henry Tax
Review panel is currently finalising its recommendations which will be
presented to the Treasurer by December 2009.
Australian Cycle Tourism Conference, 9th - 10th of November, 2009
Cycle Tourism is growing and a study released this month by
La Trobe University highlights the strong evidence that recreational
cyclists are a high yield, high spending market and one that is
predominantly highly educated. According to the study the average
expenditure per person per day using the trail and staying overnight in
2009 (Easter) was $244, spending significantly more than the annual
average for the region. Please contact the Cycling Promotion Fund if
you like a copy of the full report.
There
is only one week to go for a great opportunity to find out more at the
Cycle Tourism Conference. A range of speakers from Australia and
overseas will share their experience and provide practical tips on
product development, marketing and building networks and alliances. Follow this link for more information about the conference and to register follow this link.
Cycling Promotion Fund Annual Report
The Cycling Promotion Fund is committed to promoting and
encouraging cycling and advocating for policies and investments to make
cycling accessible, safe and convenient. To find out more about our
objectives, achievements and priorities, check out our annual report online or order a hard copy from our office.
Kind regards,
Rosemarie Speidel
Program Director
On behalf of Cycling Promotion Fund Team
Cycling Promotion Fund
PO Box 3052
Auburn Victoria 3123
Ph 03-9818-5400 Fax 03-9818-4535
www.rideabike.com.au
www.cyclingawards.com.au
An initiative of the Bicycling Industry in Australia
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