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Major political parties have been urged to embrace active transport as part of
the policy cure for the challenges of chronic disease, climate change,
congestion and pollution.
The call was made today by a unique partnership of organisations from the health,
transport and local government sectors.
The five groups - The Australian Local Government Association, Bus Industry
Confederation, Cycling Promotion Fund, the National Heart Foundation of Australia
and the International Association of Public Transport - today launched a policy
framework,
An Australian Vision for Active Transport, which sets out a nine point plan
for a national approach to boosting participation in walking, cycling and public
transport.
Initiatives include support for infrastructure, social marketing campaigns, embedding
Healthy Spaces and Places planning principles into practice and enhancing safety for
walkers and cyclists.
"Encouraging Australians to use more active forms of transport rather than cars or
taxis has a very wide range of benefits, Vice President of the Australian Local
Government Association, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said.
"Once adopted, our vision for active transport in Australia has potential to impact at
least five major areas of government policy:
1. local economy - towns with high levels of public transport use are wealthier,
happier and more sustainable
2. climate change and pollution fewer cars reduces greenhouse gases and
improves air quality
3. congestion more cycle ways and footpaths reduces cars on the road
4. prevention physical activity reduces chronic disease and social isolation
5. savings for government - by easing the economic burden of chronic disease
caused by inactivity. "At an individual level, Australians will reap the benefits of improved physical and
mental health from being more active in the community as well as the cost savings
associated with active transport," Mayor Lewis said.
"The broader community benefits from lower emissions and reduced traffic congestion
and there are huge economic benefits associated with the reduced direct and indirect
healthcare costs of a more active Australia estimated at more than $1.5 billion a year."
Dr Lyn Roberts, CEO National, Heart Foundation said, "We need to make these
healthier transport choices the easier choices by re-fitting our communities to promote
physical activity
- not obesity."
"Physical inactivity is a major health problem in its own right. Disturbingly, about half
of Australian adults (54%) are not sufficiently physically active to gain health benefits
and this could lead to an estimated 16 000 premature deaths every year, robbing
families of their loved ones," Dr Roberts said.
"Active transport is one of the largest opportunities we have to address the major
issues facing society and changing people s travel habits to forms other than the
private car can significantly improve Australia s quality of life,"
International
Association of Public Transport Executive Director, Peter Moore said.
"Public transport can make a major contribution, but it needs expanded capacity and
we need incentives for Australians to take public transport through enhanced
infrastructure and quality, cost effective, high performance systems," he said.
"Cycling and walking infrastructure is cheap, provides significant benefits for all
communities and is ideal for getting to our local public transport trip" said Cycling
Promotion Fund spokesman, Stephen Hodge.
"The Bus Industry Confederation supports broad public transport reform," Executive
Director of Bus Industry Confederation, Michael Apps said.
"We are not interested in arguments about which form of transport is "best' , because
each has their role to play. We do know that people who use public transport get five
times more physical activity than those who drive, so we need greater synergy of
public transport in Australia. By highlighting our mutual resolve to work together, we
hope this sheds light on this issue for policy makers across the country," Mr. Apps
said.
It's in the national interest for the Commonwealth to be involved in the provision of
public and active transport to address congestion, climate change, social isolation and
inactivity levels. And this initiative provides the clear direction and actions needed for
a healthier, happier, cleaner and greener Australia.
For more information please contact:
- Australian Local Government Association: Amanda Lynch 0419 123 862
- Bus Industry Confederation: Michael Apps 0418 487 930
- Cycling Promotion Fund: Stephen Hodge 0411 149 910
- Heart Foundation: Kirsten Andrews 0413 777 404
- International Association of Public Transport: Peter Moore 0404 052 635
Photos available of Canberra event now available |
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